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Egg-Shaped Reflection Hall Crafted From Natural Stone and Reinforced Concrete

Author:
Nikolay Maslov
Egg-Shaped Reflection Hall Crafted From Natural Stone and Reinforced Concrete

Project in-detail

An egg-shaped reflection hall, constructed from natural stone and reinforced concrete, provides a serene underground space for contemplation and remembrance, integrating intimate niches for personal memorials within a tranquil landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
An egg-shaped structure symbolizes rebirth and continuity in design.
02
Reflective niches allow for personalized memorialization within the space.
03
The project integrates seamlessly with natural landscapes, enhancing tranquility.
04
Natural stone and reinforced concrete contribute to durability and aesthetic harmony.
05
The wooden canopy above filters light, creating a serene atmosphere below.
The project titled "Death as Interaction with Life" embodies a critical exploration of the relationship between life, memory, and mortality through its architectural design. This underground structure serves as a reflection space for individuals grieving the loss of loved ones, providing an environment conducive to contemplation and remembrance. The design seeks to challenge traditional perceptions of funerary spaces, integrating natural elements and symbolic motifs that resonate with themes of continuity and existence.

The building features an underground layout where visitors engage with personal memorials set within niches that line the interior walls. The form of the structure above ground manifests an undulating canopy of wooden slats, allowing natural light to filter into the space while providing a sense of shelter. The use of reinforced concrete ensures stability and durability in the subterranean environment, while materials such as natural stone create pathways that connect the building to the surrounding landscape. The refined choice of materials fosters a serene ambiance, enhancing visitor experiences as they navigate the spaces.

Unique Design Approaches

A key element of this project is its innovative use of architectural symbolism. The flow of the structure, shaped like an egg, signifies rebirth and continuity, distinguishing it from conventional memorial designs. This metaphor extends to the visitor experience, where pathways lead individuals on a reflective journey, evoking the stages of grief. The canopy design not only provides shelter but also mirrors the fluidity of life and nature, encouraging visitors to contemplate their relationship with the departed in a tranquil environment.

The spatial organization of niches allows for personalized commemorative practices, providing visitors with dedicated areas for reflection, thereby fostering a sense of intimacy and connection. The Hall of Memories serves as a central communal area where individuals can come together to share experiences while maintaining the opportunity for personal reflection. This dual function further differentiates the project from standard memorial architecture that often prioritizes solitude over community interaction.

Integration with Natural Landscape

The architectural design connects seamlessly with its natural surroundings, reinforcing the project’s thematic focus on life and memory. Landscape features, including carefully chosen flora and stone pathways, provide a calming atmosphere that complements the physical structure. The relationship between the building and its environment enhances the overall experience, inviting visitors to engage with both the architecture and the landscape.

This design effectively blurs the boundaries between built form and nature, allowing for a contemplative journey that resonates on personal and collective levels. For those interested in understanding the full scope of "Death as Interaction with Life," detailed architectural plans, sections, and design concepts are available for review, providing a comprehensive view of this thoughtful exploration of memory and architecture.
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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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