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Columbarium Featuring Circular Design and Sustainable Materials in a Serene Forest Setting

Author:
Tomas Merle
Columbarium Featuring Circular Design and Sustainable Materials in a Serene Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled within the tranquil Riga Forest Cemetery, this columbarium features a thoughtfully designed circular structure that harmonizes with its surroundings, utilizing durable concrete and elegant marble to create a reflective space for remembrance and introspection.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates a radial drainage system that channels rainwater toward the center, symbolically linking water with reflection and introspection.
02
A central circular area is surrounded by semi-vertical niches, allowing for easy navigation and equal access for visitors.
03
Natural light is integrated through strategically positioned skylights, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere while connecting the interior with the outdoors.
04
The use of varied materials, including textured brick walls and smooth marble niche coverings, creates a rich tactile experience for visitors.
05
The building's organic roof form is designed to mimic the rise and fall of natural mountains, reinforcing themes of elevation and the journey of the soul.
The Life Circle Columbarium is an architectural project situated in the serene landscape of the Riga Forest Cemetery in Latvia. Designed as a space for reflection and remembrance, this columbarium serves a profound function, offering visitors a place to honor loved ones who have passed away. The project embodies a thoughtful exploration of the concepts of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence, all framed within an elegantly designed circular structure.

At its core, the Life Circle Columbarium represents a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, where the form of the building mirrors the themes of continuity and elevation. The circular design serves not only as a structural choice but also as a symbolic representation of the cycle of life and death. This thoughtful layout invites visitors to engage in contemplation, moving seamlessly around the space to reflect on personal memories.

Key elements of the design include a central circular area surrounded by niches that incorporate a series of semi-vertical "mountains." These niches are carefully arranged to create a tranquil environment conducive to reflection. The architecture promotes accessibility, ensuring that visitors can engage with the space comfortably. Natural light plays an important role, with strategically placed skylights allowing daylight to filter into the interior, enhancing the connection between the building and the surrounding landscape.

The use of materials in the project demonstrates a keen awareness of both functionality and aesthetics. Concrete forms the backbone of the structure, providing durability and strength, while marble plates add a touch of elegance to the niche covers. Brickwork is incorporated within various walls, contributing a sense of warmth and enhancing the visual texture of the interior spaces. Stone slabs in the flooring create a cohesive surface that ties the building to the natural environment, inviting visitors to feel the connection with nature as they move through the columbarium.

A unique approach to drainage is integrated into the roof design, which channels rainwater toward the center through radial grooves. This not only serves a practical purpose but also symbolizes the reflective and cleansing aspects of water, reinforcing the contemplative ethos of the space. The overall intent is to create an environment that respects and honors the memories of those interred within, while providing an inviting space for introspection.

What sets the Life Circle Columbarium apart is its commitment to user experience and environmental sustainability. The thoughtful design promotes engagement, allowing visitors to feel at ease as they navigate the space. Furthermore, the project subtly invites conversations about life’s transitions, making it more than just a physical structure; it is a place for personal and communal healing.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural aspects of the Life Circle Columbarium, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs can provide further insights into the project’s conceptual framework and design strategies. This space stands as a testament to how architecture can foster meaningful experiences, and engagement with the project presentation will uncover the nuances and thoughtful details that make it a remarkable addition to the landscape of memorial architecture.
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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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