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Granite Blocks and Water Features Creating a Reflective Space for Remembrance

Author:
Nai cheong Cheong
Granite Blocks and Water Features Creating a Reflective Space for Remembrance

Project in-detail

Granite blocks and a serene water fountain combine to create a reflective memorial that honors the victims of the Ellam Wars, providing a poignant space for remembrance and contemplation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Granite blocks symbolize lives lost, enhancing the memorial's cultural significance.
02
A water fountain serves as a central feature, promoting contemplation and tranquility.
03
The design follows Vastu Sastra principles, aligning the main tower to the east.
04
Synopses of the Ellam Wars are imprinted on the building's envelope, providing historical context.
05
The memorial integrates sharp swords as a visual metaphor for the pain endured during the conflicts.

The Last Genocide Memorial serves as a poignant tribute to the victims of the Ellam Wars. Located in a region rich in historical context, the memorial provides an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. The overall design concept captures the themes of trauma and loss, transforming the space into a narrative focused on destruction and survival. The structure's hierarchical form conveys the timeline of the conflicts, allowing visitors to engage meaningfully with the memorial's intent.

Design Concept

The design centers around the idea of representing loss and emotional weight. The shape of the building evokes a sense of mourning and respect, making a strong visual statement. Each phase of the Ellam Wars is embedded in the architecture, ensuring that the memories associated with those events are woven into the fabric of the space.



Material Considerations

RC concrete is the main material used, providing durability and a solid foundation for the memorial. The rough dark tiles that cover the base create a somber mood, suitable for the memorial’s purpose. Additionally, granite blocks are incorporated to symbolize the lives lost, connecting the design to cultural values and traditions.



Symbolic Elements

Several key features within the memorial convey themes of remembrance. Water elements are included to represent the tears shed by victims and to invite contemplation. Solid blocks symbolize the lives lost during the conflicts, creating a physical connection to the individuals affected. Sharp swords placed within the design serve as reminders of the pain experienced, enhancing the narrative throughout the memorial.



Narrative Integration

The memorial reinforces its message through the inclusion of brief synopses that detail the historical events. These accounts are integrated into the building's surface, allowing visitors to engage with the history directly. The main tower's alignment, which follows Vastu Sastra principles, contributes to the spiritual atmosphere, encouraging thoughtful reflection.



The water fountain, situated in the inner corner of the tower, serves as a focal point. It draws attention and provides a peaceful area for visitors to contemplate. Together, these design elements create a cohesive narrative that honors the memories of both individuals and the collective experience of the community.

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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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