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Curvilinear Stone Niches Integrated Into Biodiversity Gardens With Natural Timber Elements

Authors:
Jessica Casalino, Batool Alqasas, Zarreen Khan, Giuseppe Scarola
Curvilinear Stone Niches Integrated Into Biodiversity Gardens With Natural Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Curvilinear stone niches blend seamlessly with refreshing biodiversity gardens, inviting visitors into a serene space for remembrance and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates curvilinear stone niches that enhance the natural flow of the landscape.
02
Utilizes eco-friendly materials, including locally sourced stone and sustainably harvested timber.
03
Features exposed aggregate pathways that provide a tactile experience while guiding visitors.
04
Integrates biodiversity gardens designed to attract local flora and fauna, enhancing ecological diversity.
05
Incorporates a bent A-frame structural element that offers unique spatial qualities and visual appeal.
The project revolves around an architectural design of a columbarium, which serves as a space for remembrance and reflection. This architectural endeavor effectively bridges the gap between the built environment and nature, offering visitors a tranquil setting to honor memories and celebrate life. The design embodies a thoughtful exploration of how spaces can facilitate emotional connections, drawing inspiration from the cyclical nature of life.

Functionally, the columbarium serves its primary purpose of providing a resting place for ashes, integrating niches into its structure where families can commemorate loved ones. However, the architecture extends beyond its basic function by inviting individuals to engage in a deeper, contemplative experience. The pathways and surrounding landscape encourage quiet reflection, making it a destination for both remembrance and natural beauty.

At the heart of the design is a fluid geometry, characterized by soft, curved forms that resonate with the themes of life and movement. This curvature not only enriches the architectural expression but also fosters a sense of comfort and intimacy, guiding visitors gently through the space. The layout promotes exploration, allowing individuals to meander through a series of interconnected areas that collectively establish a journey of remembrance.

Materials play a crucial role in the overall design and experience of the columbarium. The prominent use of stone reflects both permanence and durability, aligning harmoniously with the concept of memorialization. The inclusion of concrete for pathways ensures a firm yet seamless transition through the site, while wood elements in seating and architectural features introduce a welcoming warmth, creating an intimate atmosphere. Additionally, the strategic landscaping with an array of plants and greenery enhances the sensory experience, drawing individuals into an immersive natural environment.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The integration of the columbarium into the surrounding landscape is a testament to the idea that architecture can coexist with nature, providing a sanctuary for life’s memories. The design includes meandering pathways that offer a dynamic experience as visitors traverse the space. The specific arrangement of niches, stone walls, and hedgerows not only generates visual interest but also creates private moments of reflection, allowing users to engage with the memorial in a personal manner.

Furthermore, the columbarium's design incorporates elevated experiences that guide visitors both physically and emotionally. As individuals navigate the space, they encounter varying elevations that invite them to reflect on life’s journeys, reinforcing an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. The careful consideration of sightlines and spatial relationships ensures that the design fosters a sense of openness, allowing users to appreciate both the columbarium and the surrounding landscape.

In essence, this architectural project stands as a poignant reminder of the intersection between memory and environment. It represents a thoughtful exploration of how architectural design can serve a dual purpose—functionally accommodating memorialization while creating a serene setting for reflection. The innovative use of materials, the gentle curves, and the integration with nature are carefully considered elements that contribute to the overall narrative of the space.

For those interested in a detailed exploration of this columbarium project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations that shaped its development. This project exemplifies how architecture can be both functional and deeply meaningful, encouraging discussions around the roles that spaces play in our lives. Exploring the full presentation will further illuminate the design’s nuances and its contribution to contemporary architectural practice.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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