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Concrete Niches and Enclosed Garden for Contemplation

Authors:
Muhammad Alam, Raymin Sidhar, Carl Xavier jules caliva, Morgan Staples
Concrete Niches and Enclosed Garden for Contemplation

Project in-detail

Surrounded by an enclosed garden, the columbarium's board-formed concrete niches provide a serene space for contemplation and remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Enclosed garden offers protection and solitude for reflection.
02
Niches are crafted with board-formed concrete for a tactile finish.
03
Natural light is strategically designed to enhance the environment.
04
Intimate layout fosters personal connections to the deceased.
05
Design emphasizes a seamless integration of nature and architecture.

The Passage offers a thoughtful approach to the concept of life after death, promoting an environment that encourages reflection and calm. Set within a peaceful landscape, the design blends the lively essence of an enclosed garden with the dignity of a columbarium. The project is crafted to guide visitors through a meaningful experience as they interact with themes of memory and loss.

Enclosed Garden

At the center of The Passage is an enclosed garden designed to provide a safe space for visitors. This garden stands apart from the outside world, creating a tranquil retreat filled with greenery. The layout invites individuals to pause and find comfort among the plants and soft pathways. It serves as a contrast to the often overwhelming feelings associated with loss.

Columbarium Design

The columbarium is a key element of the design, intentionally arranged to allow natural light to flow in. This design choice presents an open feeling while highlighting the niches for the deceased. Moving through the columbarium, visitors encounter spaces that feel personal and intimate, fostering a connection to those who have passed away. Each niche is placed thoughtfully to ensure respect and remembrance.

Light Interaction

Light is an important part of the atmosphere in The Passage. It enters through large openings, illuminating the passageway and niches. This creates a changeable environment that feels different at various times of the day. The effect of light adds depth and helps to establish an emotional setting, enhancing the reflective nature of the space.

Architectural Materials

The Passage makes use of board-formed concrete walls around the niches. This choice of material supports a sense of simplicity and strength while remaining respectful. The texture of the concrete plays a significant role in creating an inviting and enduring presence. This material selection enhances the overall experience, encouraging visitors to engage with the space meaningfully.

The design carefully accommodates the interplay of light and material features, ending with elements that invite contemplation. Visitors are encouraged to connect with thoughts of memory and mourning as they navigate through The Passage.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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