Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Ground-Level Niches in Bronze and Concrete for Reflection in a Forested Setting

Authors:
Julien Brahic, Thibaut Brahic, Flore Gustin
Ground-Level Niches in Bronze and Concrete for Reflection in a Forested Setting

Project in-detail

Ground-level niches created in bronze and concrete offer a personal connection to the earth, encouraging reflection in a serene forest environment dedicated to memorialization.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ground-level niches enhance personal connection to memorials.
02
The elliptical design promotes a sense of continuity and movement.
03
Bronze surfaces develop a natural patina over time.
04
A continuous concrete bench facilitates reflection and interaction.
05
Natural light is integrated to create a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day.

The Forest Glade Columbarium is located in a peaceful forest area, designed as a space for memorial and reflection. The architecture merges themes of life and death, creating an environment that encourages quiet contemplation. The overall design features an elliptical shape, representing continuity and contrasting with the typical linearity seen in many memorial structures.

Design Concept

The main characteristic of the columbarium is its elliptical form. This shape invites movement and promotes a feeling of calmness throughout the space. Visitors can navigate easily, engaging meaningfully with their memories. This approach redefines traditional memorial practices, offering a more intimate experience for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

Niche Configuration

The design includes niches for urns situated at ground level. This choice draws from historical burial practices and establishes a direct connection to the earth. Such configuration allows families to honor their loved ones in a more personal manner. The placement encourages interaction with the memorial site, inviting moments of reflection that feel natural and connected to the surroundings.

Interplay of Light

Natural light plays an important role in the design, ensuring that the interior remains bright while still feeling secure. The space captures and filters light throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that changes with the movement of the sun. This dynamic relationship enriches the experience for visitors, connecting them with nature and enhancing moments of reflection.

Material Choices

Specific materials are chosen to support the design’s themes. Bronze is utilized to cover the niches, symbolizing the passage of time. As the surface develops a patina, it reflects the natural aging process. Concrete is used for the continuous bench, ensuring durability while providing a calm space for visitors to sit and think.

The continuous bench faces the familial alcove, inviting visitors to pause and engage in thoughtful reflection. This design element fosters a meaningful connection between the living and the departed, creating a tranquil space for remembrance.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy