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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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