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Cremation Spaces Aligned With Ganges Water and Meditation Gardens

Author:
Xiao Zhang
Cremation Spaces Aligned With Ganges Water and Meditation Gardens

Project in-detail

Cremation spaces designed to harmonize with the Ganges River and meditation gardens create a reflective environment for individuals approaching the end of life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cremation space is directly connected to the Ganges River.
02
Meditation gardens provide expansive views of the river.
03
Waterfalls use Ganges water for ritual purification.
04
Design incorporates areas for both community and solitude.
05
Focus on environmental sustainability and water quality.

The Afterlife Hostel is located on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. It serves as a space for individuals at the end of their lives, providing not only shelter but also a place for reflection and community. The design focuses on bringing together spiritual traditions and daily routines, creating an environment where both aspects can coexist.

Cremation Space

The building features a dedicated cremation space at its base, where ceremonies take place close to the river. This area is designed to ensure proper ventilation while maintaining a respectful atmosphere for these important rituals. Being situated near the Ganges highlights the river's essential role in Hindu funerary practices and its significance in the spiritual journey of the departed.

Meditation Garden

At the top of the structure lies a meditation garden. This peaceful area allows residents to take part in yoga and find moments of quiet reflection. With views overlooking the Ganges, the garden offers a connection to nature that enhances the spiritual experience. The design ensures that individuals can engage in personal practices while enjoying a sense of solitude and calm.

Water Features

Water plays a key role in the overall architecture, with streams running throughout the building. These water features are sourced from the Ganges itself, providing opportunities for ritual bathing. This incorporation emphasizes the importance of purification in Hindu tradition while addressing concerns about water quality in the area. The gentle sound of flowing water adds to the calm atmosphere within the hostel.

Functional Areas

Spaces within the hostel are arranged to promote both social interaction and quiet reflection. Common areas allow residents to gather, while private zones offer sanctuary for personal contemplation. This flexibility acknowledges the emotional complexities experienced by individuals nearing the end of life and facilitates a supportive environment for everyone.

Incorporating water flows into the design creates visual and auditory experiences that resonate with the essence of the Ganges. This detail enriches the environment, providing a deeper connection to the sacred river and its cultural significance.

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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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