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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

Project in-detail

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 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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