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Embracing Individual Narratives in a Meandering Columbarium Space

Author:
Taehun Ha
Embracing Individual Narratives in a Meandering Columbarium Space

Project in-detail

A thoughtful arrangement of four distinct spaces guides visitors through a meandering journey of reflection, where strategic urn placement and abundant natural light create a serene atmosphere for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Four distinct spaces create a unique navigational experience.
02
Natural light is integrated through openings to the sky.
03
Urn placement is designed to enhance personal reflection.
04
Multiple access points encourage community interaction.
05
The layout emphasizes a meandering journey through memory.

The design is centered on the idea of a columbarium that serves as a place for memories. It is situated in a quiet area that encourages reflection. The goal is to create a space where individual stories come together and allow for personal connections to be made. The overall plan includes four distinct areas that guide visitors through the space, promoting exploration and interaction.

Overall Layout

The layout is designed with both accessibility and intimacy in mind. Each of the four areas provides unique pathways that encourage movement and discovery. The urns are placed thoughtfully throughout the design, enhancing the reflective quality of the environment. Clear circulation routes on the second floor help visitors navigate smoothly between different parts of the structure.

Natural Light Integration

Allowing openness to the sky from the second floor is a key aspect of the design. This feature brings natural light into the interior, helping to create a calm atmosphere. The connection to the outside not only enriches the space but also fosters a sense of tranquility. Light plays an important role in making the environment feel inviting.

Spatial Narratives

A central theme of the design is the idea of a meandering journey, representing the varied paths of life that each person experiences. The arrangement of spaces encourages movement through moments of overlap and intersection, fostering connection. Some areas close in on themselves, creating private moments for personal reflection.

Community and Individuality

Access points from the North, South, East, and West improve the structure's connectivity. This design choice allows for a flow between personal niches and the wider community experience. It highlights the balance between individual stories and collective remembrance, offering a space for shared reflection.

The way light moves across the surfaces throughout the day enhances the contemplative nature of the columbarium, allowing for moments of stillness and thought.

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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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