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Corten Steel Halo Over Reflective Pond in Contemplative Memorial

Author:
Edwin Dilone berumen
Corten Steel Halo Over Reflective Pond in Contemplative Memorial

Project in-detail

A floating halo of Corten steel hovers above a reflective pond, creating a profound space for contemplation and memorialization of historical injustices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating halo design creates transitional spaces for contemplation.
02
Reflective pond symbolizes social and political boundaries.
03
Corten steel elements connect to the memorial's narrative.
04
Ground level accessible from the northeast garden encourages interaction with nature.
05
Sculpted brick base features apertures aligned with site axial lines.

"In Another Space" is a memorial that addresses themes related to genocide and the concept of the "other." The design engages visitors in contemplation of historical injustices. Located within a natural setting, it combines architectural elements to explore physical and ideological boundaries, facilitating movement between familiar and unfamiliar experiences. The project illustrates the complexity of memory and identity.

Conceptual Framework
The design is based on the United Nations' definitions of genocide, which include violence, harm, and oppressive living conditions. By representing the "other" through its physical spaces, the memorial embodies these themes in a tangible way. The floating halo structure acts as a dynamic boundary, creating areas above and below while allowing interstitial spaces that promote movement and reflection.

Spatial Organization
The ground level represents the experience of the "other." Open and accessible, it connects visitors with the natural landscape, especially through the adjoining garden. This design invites interaction with the environment while encouraging contemplation of the memorial's themes. The second level, accessed via ramps or exterior entrances, symbolizes how various societal experiences intersect. This layered organization enhances visitor exploration and deepens understanding of the memorial's purpose.

Materiality and Detail
Materials play an important role in conveying the memorial's message. Corten steel is used structurally to connect with the concrete halo. The sculpted brick base features apertures that align with the site’s lines, allowing light to enter the space and creating a connection between inside and outside. Black polished granite reinforces the design's exploration of life and death, adding depth to the overall experience.

Visitors are drawn to the primary area that hovers above a reflective pond. This water feature symbolizes rivers that often represent social and political boundaries. Its placement evokes thoughts of nourishment and division, echoing the memorial's overarching themes. The interplay between the water and the structure emphasizes a delicate balance in the experience of history and memory.

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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

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competition now

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