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Curved Structure Embracing Plywood and Natural Light for Reflective Memorial Space

Authors:
Taeseo Park, Jaejun Choi, Seungyul Vin
Curved Structure Embracing Plywood and Natural Light for Reflective Memorial Space

Project in-detail

With its curved form and extensive use of plywood paired with strategically placed skylights, the design creates a serene environment that serves as a reflective memorial space within a forest setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved form enhances the structure's connection to the natural landscape.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels promotes sustainability and durability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
04
Strategically placed skylights allow natural light to penetrate the interior.
05
Design includes modular spaces for flexible use and community engagement.
The Memorial Hut project is an architectural initiative located within the Forest Cemetery in Latvia. This design functions as a columbarium and community gathering space, aiming to create a serene place for reflection and remembrance amid the surrounding forest landscape. The project prioritizes integration with nature, accessible spaces, and community-oriented uses, making it a distinctive contribution to memorial architecture.

Design Integration and Natural Context

A key aspect of the Memorial Hut is its contextual integration within the forest environment. The overall form of the structure adopts a curved profile, which echoes natural forms found in the landscape. This design choice not only allows the building to blend into the site seamlessly but also enhances the visitor experience by maintaining a connection to the surrounding trees and vegetation.

The interior is organized into multiple functional zones designed to accommodate diverse activities. These include areas for personal reflection, communal gatherings, and transitional spaces that guide visitors through the hut. Natural light plays a crucial role in the design, with strategically placed skylights and clerestory windows illuminating the interior. This approach fosters a calming atmosphere that complements the project's purpose.

Sustainable Material Choices

Materiality is another vital component of the Memorial Hut's design. The architects employed materials that are both durable and environmentally friendly. Exterior grade plywood is used for walls and roofs, providing resilience while imparting warmth to the design. Tyvek serves as an effective weather-resistant layer, ensuring longevity. Various types of wood contribute to the organic aesthetic, while concrete is implemented in the foundation to enhance structural integrity.

The use of natural materials reinforces the project's connection to the forest, creating an inviting atmosphere that aligns with the memorial's intent. The incorporation of wood and glass serves to create transparency and visual continuity with the natural surroundings, enhancing the visitor's experience of the space.

Engaging Community and Interactive Design

An essential element of the Memorial Hut is its focus on community engagement. The design includes outdoor gathering areas that serve as extensions of the interior spaces, encouraging interaction among visitors. This layout is intended to foster a sense of belonging and promote shared experiences, which are central to the purpose of a memorial.

The flexible nature of the space allows for various community-oriented programs, supporting its role as a multifunctional facility. The modular design enables potential future adaptations, ensuring that the hut remains relevant to the community's evolving needs.

The Memorial Hut stands as a practical example of how architecture can thoughtfully engage with its environment while addressing the functional and emotional needs of its users. For a deeper understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements available for review. This analysis highlights not only the distinct features that set the Memorial Hut apart but also the principles of thoughtful design that can inform future architectural ideas.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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