Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Journey Through Buried Spaces with Natural Light and Reflective Geometry

Authors:
Thanatcha Cholpradit, Paing su Ko
Journey Through Buried Spaces with Natural Light and Reflective Geometry

Project in-detail

Buried sections of the columbarium create a unique dialogue with the landscape, while strategically placed openings allow natural light to enhance the geometry of reflective spaces designed for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Buried elements create a connection between the columbarium and the surrounding landscape.
02
Strategically placed openings allow natural light to illuminate reflective interior spaces.
03
The design features a long walkway that symbolizes the journey of grief.
04
Geometric forms provide a clear focus on the purpose of remembrance and contemplation.
05
A surrounding garden enhances the experience, offering views of the open sky.

The columbarium is designed to occupy a thoughtful space within its natural surroundings, providing a place for remembrance and quiet reflection. It serves a function that bridges the gap between life and death, offering visitors an opportunity to engage in contemplation. The overall design approach emphasizes the connection to the landscape, while introducing a new walking path that links to existing roadways and invites exploration.

Spatial Organization
The layout features a combination of geometric forms that help define the space. Circles prevail in the overall design, while rectangular openings create points of interest and allow light to enter. This clear arrangement ensures the columbarium functions as a place for reflection and grief, making it accessible and inviting for those who visit.

Integration with Nature
Sections of the columbarium are partially buried in the earth, while others extend upward towards the sky. This blend symbolizes the relationship between the living and those who have passed away. A gently sloping walkway leads visitors to the columbarium, encouraging a gradual transition into the experience of remembrance.

Natural Light and Atmosphere
Light plays a significant role inside the columbarium. The carefully positioned roof openings allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As the sun moves through the day, the changing light casts different patterns and shadows, enhancing the reflective experience for visitors. This connection to the outside world offers a sense of tranquility, promoting introspection.

Surrounding Garden Space
The columbarium is complemented by a garden designed to foster an intimate experience. This garden creates a peaceful setting for visitors, featuring greenery and space to ponder. With views of the open sky, it provides an escape from everyday life. The presence of trees and other natural elements enhances the relationship between the columbarium and its environment, inviting visitors to take a moment for themselves in a space dedicated to memory and honor.

The design integrates reflection and nature, creating an environment that encourages visitors to engage deeply with their thoughts and memories. Each element has a purpose, culminating in a serene place 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