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Circular Structure Featuring Natural Stone and Sustainable Concrete for Intimate Remembrance Spaces

Authors:
Roy Quentin, Cabiron Samuel
Circular Structure Featuring Natural Stone and Sustainable Concrete for Intimate Remembrance Spaces

Project in-detail

Set within a tranquil landscape, the circular form crafted from natural stone and durable concrete invites visitors to engage in contemplation and collective remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a circular layout that encourages both individual contemplation and communal interaction.
02
Natural light is optimized through large glass openings, enhancing the connection between interior spaces and the outdoor landscape.
03
Each niche for storing ashes is integrated seamlessly into the architecture, promoting an understated yet personal remembrance.
04
A central garden serves as a living memorial, fostering a sense of tranquility and growth while connecting visitors to nature.
05
Sustainable materials, including durable concrete and locally sourced stone, are utilized to reduce the environmental impact of the structure.
Ksilēma is a contemplative architectural project that stands as both a columbarium and a memorial space, reflecting deeply human concepts of memory and community. This architectural design presents a unique blend of functionality and emotional resonance, serving a vital role in the experience of remembrance and reflection.

The project is designed to function as a sacred space dedicated to the storage of ashes and the commemoration of lives lived. It acknowledges the importance of memory in the human experience, offering visitors a place to connect with their past and with one another. Ksilēma is organized around a central concept: a chamber that symbolizes the protection of memories, allowing individuals to engage in both personal and communal reflection. Its circular layout facilitates an intimate and inclusive environment, inviting multiple perspectives and interactions among visitors.

An essential component of Ksilēma is its thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape. The architecture is seen as an extension of nature rather than a disruption, with large openings and glass elements that integrate the indoor spaces with the outdoors. Natural light floods the interior, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection to the environment. This relationship between structure and nature enhances the experience of remembrance, with the garden acting as a living memorial that signifies continuity and regeneration.

Pathways throughout Ksilēma are carefully designed to guide individuals on a journey of reflection. Visitors are led through a series of experiences that include spaces for meditation and individual contemplation, enhancing the overall sense of exploration. The project effectively weaves together diverse spaces, from niches to gardens, each fulfilling a specific purpose while contributing to the overarching narrative of memory.

Materiality plays a significant role in the design of Ksilēma. Concrete serves as the primary material for structural components, providing a strong and lasting foundation that symbolizes the permanence of memory. Glass elements enhance transparency and connectivity, allowing the presence of the surrounding landscape to integrate with the interior space seamlessly. Stone can be found in various areas as a grounding element, while wood might be used for functional items like benches, reinforcing warmth and approachability.

A unique aspect of Ksilēma lies in its focus on user experience. The design nurtures a sense of community while respecting individual moments of reflection. By offering adaptable spaces, Ksilēma accommodates gatherings and personal remembrance in a manner that feels comfortable and inviting. This thoughtful approach ensures that the architecture responds to the diverse needs of visitors, creating a harmonious balance between shared and individual experiences.

In essence, Ksilēma stands as a mindful architectural response to the human need for memory and community engagement. Each detail—from the circulation paths that trace individual journeys to the serene garden that serves as a focal point of the design—demonstrates a commitment to creating functional yet empathetic spaces. The project embodies principles of sustainability and context-sensitive design, making it a pertinent study in contemporary architecture.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and various detailed designs that bring Ksilēma to life, a thorough exploration of the project presentation will provide additional insights into the architectural ideas and thought processes behind this compelling design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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