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Granite Foundations and Green Spaces in a Reflective Memorial Setting

Authors:
Christian Maijstre, Julie Van Zinnicq Bergmann
Granite Foundations and Green Spaces in a Reflective Memorial Setting
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Set within a forest cemetery in Riga, the design integrates light granite bases and green spaces to create a contemplative environment for remembrance and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflects the cycle of life through small forests integrated within each room.
02
Light granite bases provide a stark yet peaceful foundation for urns.
03
Rooms are arranged to guide visitors along a specific path of reflection.
04
Natural light shifts significantly, enhancing contemplative experiences throughout the day.
05
Each room features varying ceiling heights, creating dynamic spatial interactions.

The Space Between is located in Riga and is designed to create a reflective environment that connects memory with nature. Situated near a forest cemetery, it serves as a peaceful space for visitors to remember loved ones. The design centers around a sequence of interconnected rooms, inviting contemplation and quiet thought.

Structure and Organization

Each room features a dual structure with a solid base and a top. The base holds urns, creating a dedicated area for remembrance. This setup allows visitors to look beyond the urns into an unreachable space, fostering a sense of connection while maintaining a respectful boundary.

Integration with Nature

Nature is thoughtfully included in the design, especially with small forests placed within each room. These elements symbolize the circle of life and enhance the calmness of the space. The greenery acts as a visual reminder of life's continuity, enriching the emotional depth of the memorial environment.

Materiality

Materials chosen for the design include light-colored granite for the bases, providing a tranquil foundation for the urns. This choice contributes to the serene atmosphere of the space. Steel is used for structural support, ensuring strength, while the wooden tops add warmth and inviting qualities, enhancing the experience for visitors.

Spatial Experience

The arrangement of the rooms encourages exploration and reflection. Differences in ceiling heights create varied experiences, balancing feelings of intimacy and openness. Natural light plays an important role, shifting throughout the day to enhance the atmosphere. This thoughtful design invites visitors to engage with their memories in a peaceful, harmonious setting that culminates in a restful view of nature.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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