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Granite Prisms Shaping Memory in Reflective Courtyard

Author:
Todica Eduard-george
Granite Prisms Shaping Memory in Reflective Courtyard

Project in-detail

Granite prisms rise from the courtyard's center, casting light and shadow to evoke memory and loss, culminating in a contemplative space for reflection on historical events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Granite prisms vary in height to symbolize different scales of loss.
02
A central void allows natural light to illuminate the courtyard, enhancing reflection.
03
The kiln serves as a focal structure representing memory and connection.
04
The design integrates light and shadow to evoke emotional responses.
05
The arrangement encourages visitors to engage with historical narratives.

The design explores themes of historical events and collective memory through a carefully crafted environment. Set within a reflective landscape, it invites visitors to engage with concepts of loss and remembrance. The overall idea is to create an experience that acknowledges unrecognized lives while encouraging contemplation of past tragedies.

Entrance

The entry point, known as the “door,” serves as a bridge between the outside world and the interior narrative of historical acknowledgment. This initial space invites individuals into a journey of reflection and understanding. The design of the door encourages visitors to consider the significance of what lies beyond it, setting a reflective tone for the exploration ahead.

Courtyard

The courtyard is a central feature, distinguished by granite prisms of differing heights. These prisms represent tragedy on various scales and create a visual metaphor for the emotional weight of collective memory. Strategically arranged, they play with light and shadow, emphasizing the concept of time's permanence. The central void, illuminated by rays of light, evokes a sense of absence, prompting thought regarding those who have been overlooked.

Kiln

At the heart of the design is the kiln, a crucial structural element that encapsulates the relationship between life and loss. It acts as a focal point, reinforcing the theme of memory while underscoring the connections that continue beyond physical presence. The positioning of the kiln invites contemplation, encouraging visitors to reflect on the nature of remembrance and the significance of legacies left behind.

Materiality

Granite plays a key role in the design, especially within the courtyard's prisms. This material was selected for its strength and timeless quality, enhancing the exploration of memory and loss. The variations in prism heights create dynamic spaces that shift with natural light throughout the day, adding to the overall experience. The texture and solidity of granite serve as a reminder of the enduring impacts of history, fostering continued reflection on the narratives captured within the space.

The blend of light, shadow, and stone encapsulates the essence of memory, creating an atmosphere that reverberates throughout the environment.

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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

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competition now

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