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Elevated Lightwell Frame of Charred Wood and Concrete in a Memorial Space

Author:
Joshua Counter
Elevated Lightwell Frame of Charred Wood and Concrete in a Memorial Space

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wood and concrete in a gently sloped landscape, the design provides a tranquil setting for reflection within a contemporary memorial space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic contrast.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
03
Features a central skylight that connects visitors to the surrounding landscape.
04
Designed with a gently sloped terrain to integrate seamlessly with the cemetery's natural features.
05
Provides customizable niches for personal mementos, encouraging individual engagement.

The Chamber of Memories, located in Riga’s Forest Cemetery, is an architectural project designed as a contemporary columbarium. This structure serves multiple functions including the storage of cremated remains and providing a reflective space for visitors to remember and honor their loved ones. The design integrates harmoniously with its natural surroundings, facilitating a tranquil environment for contemplation.

The building's layout is organized around a central open area that allows for movement and interaction, surrounded by niches that accommodate urns. These niches are designed to invite personalization, enabling visitors to engage with the space in meaningful ways. The central skylight enhances the interior atmosphere by flooding the space with natural light, while also connecting the visitors to the sky, reinforcing the spiritual aspect of remembrance.

Unique design elements include the use of an undulating terrain that integrates the structure with the landscape. The projecting roof, coupled with carefully selected materials, such as timber, steel, concrete, glass, and aluminum, contributes to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project. The choice of materials not only reflects a commitment to durability but also underscores the natural beauty of the site. Moreover, the tapered grade of the building’s form draws inspiration from diverse architectural traditions, creating a space that resonates culturally across various backgrounds.

The intention behind the architectural design is to foster a sense of community while allowing for personal reflection. The various configurations of niches accommodate different styles of visitation, catering to both public and semi-private experiences. This approach effectively balances the need for accessibility with the desire for solitude, making it a versatile space for different aspects of remembrance.

For further insights into the Chamber of Memories, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. An examination of these elements will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural decisions that inform this thoughtful memorial space.

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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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