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Green Ribbon Roof with Impluvium for Reflective Columbarium

Authors:
Radimir Tyulkin, Roman Zaharov
Green Ribbon Roof with Impluvium for Reflective Columbarium
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A raised green ribbon roof shelters a circular columbarium designed for reflection and remembrance, integrating an impluvium for rainwater collection and fostering a tranquil connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A raised green ribbon roof enhances the columbarium's connection with the natural surroundings.
02
Visitors enter in a counterclockwise direction to evoke a sense of returning to the past.
03
The design includes a circular layout that separates private reflection areas from public spaces.
04
An oculus and impluvium facilitate rainwater collection, promoting sustainability.
05
The ceiling's bowl shape creates a sense of lightness and openness within the interior.

The project "The Time Spiral" serves as a columbarium, a place where the living can remember and reflect on the lives of those who have passed away. Positioned at ground level, it emphasizes a deep connection with the natural environment, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The design encourages contemplation, allowing visitors to honor their loved ones in a serene setting.

Architectural Concept

The core idea of the design is that memory sustains a person's existence even after death. This notion guides the overall arrangement and purpose of the columbarium. Visitors enter in a counterclockwise direction, a choice that aims to evoke feelings of returning to the past. This carefully planned movement invites reflection, enabling individuals to engage with their memories more meaningfully.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a circular design with a gallery that separates areas for private reflection and public visitation. Niches for funeral urns are thoughtfully arranged to maximize the number that can be accommodated while maintaining an intimate environment. This organization addresses practical needs while also fostering a space where personal meditation can take place.

Natural Integration

The roof of the columbarium takes on the form of a raised green ribbon, blending the structure with the surrounding landscape. This design element reinforces the connection with nature, allowing the building to coexist with its environment without overshadowing it. The roof not only enhances the visual aspect of the columbarium but also emphasizes its spiritual purpose.

Light and Water Features

Inside, the design includes an oculus and an impluvium that work together to collect rainwater. These features serve both functional and aesthetic roles. The ceiling’s bowl-like shape adds to the lightness of the space, creating a close relationship between the interior and the outside. This blending of light and water elements enhances the experience within the columbarium, symbolizing the ongoing connection between life and memory.

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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.

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