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Elliptical Form Anchored in Historical Context for Remembrance Spaces

Authors:
Paizan Mara, Carla Predescu
Elliptical Form Anchored in Historical Context for Remembrance Spaces

Project in-detail

The elliptical structure, inspired by the historic necropolis beneath the Basilica of San Sebastiano in Rome, serves as a contemplative space for remembrance while blending modern design with cultural context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elliptical shape encourages connection and reflection.
02
Central opening serves as a focal point for contemplation.
03
Carefully organized pathways promote intuitive navigation.
04
Integration with local landscape enhances contextual relevance.
05
Inspired by the historical significance of the Basilica of San Sebastiano.

The Elliptical Columbarium is a space designed for reflection and remembrance, located in an area inspired by the historic necropolis beneath the Basilica of San Sebastiano in Rome. The project focuses on creating an environment that fosters contemplation. The central design element is the elliptical shape, which offers a fresh approach to memorial architecture, emphasizing connections and continuity.

Conceptual Framework

At the core of the design is the elliptical structure, which serves practical and symbolic functions. This shape suggests unity and invites deeper interaction. It encourages visitors to experience the space fully, allowing them to engage with their surroundings meaningfully.

Spatial Organization

Careful planning shapes the layout inside the columbarium, with distinct pathways, green areas, and places to rest. This thoughtful arrangement helps create a calm atmosphere, guiding visitors along intuitive routes. Supporting diagrams clarify the flow of people and the organization of the site, highlighting its accessibility and ease of movement.

Contextual Integration

The columbarium harmonizes with the local landscape, creating a strong connection between nature and architecture. This relationship enhances the project's relevance to its setting. By considering the surrounding topography, the design encourages a peaceful environment suitable for contemplation and reflection.

A central opening in the elliptical structure draws the eye inward, creating a focal point for visitors. This feature evokes a sense of emptiness while encouraging thoughtful interaction with the space, reinforcing its role as a place of memory and reflection.

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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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