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Louvred Canopy of Charred Wood Embraces Memorial Spaces in Forest Context

Authors:
Kinoshita Norimi, Saki Taguchi, Kanta Miyazaki, Ryosuke Hatano
Louvred Canopy of Charred Wood Embraces Memorial Spaces in Forest Context

Project in-detail

The flowing louvred canopy crafted from charred wood seamlessly integrates with its forested surroundings, creating a tranquil space for remembrance and reflection within the columbarium dedicated to honoring loved ones.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a bent A-frame structure that enhances spatial dynamics and visual appeal.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used to create a weather-resistant exterior that blends seamlessly with the forest environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the building's sustainability while offering a warm, inviting interior.
04
A transparent design allows for natural light to filter in, promoting a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
05
Niches are integrated into the layout, enabling personal interactions and commemorative practices that foster community remembrance.
The project "Under Ripple" is an architectural endeavor located within a forest cemetery in Latvia, designed to serve as a columbarium. This structure embodies a profound understanding of memory, loss, and connection to nature, reflecting contemporary approaches to memorial architecture while honoring cultural significance. The design encourages visitors to engage in a process of reflection and remembrance, creating a serene space where individuals can connect with the memories of loved ones.

The architectural concept of "Under Ripple" draws inspiration from the idea of ripples in water, symbolizing the enduring impact that individuals have on the lives of others. This metaphor manifests in the design's fluid lines and undulating roof, which evoke the gentle movement of waves. By capturing the essence of this natural phenomenon, the architecture creates a calming environment that facilitates contemplation. One of the primary functions of this space is to offer a dignified and respectful area for the storage of urns, allowing families to honor their deceased in a reflective context.

The design features a series of niches that are thoughtfully integrated into the structure, each providing a personal space for the placement of urns, flowers, and other commemorative items. These niches encourage personal interaction, inviting visitors to pause and remember. The interior layout is characterized by a welcoming passageway that includes benches and counters, fostering a communal atmosphere where visitors can gather and share their experiences. The strategic arrangement of these elements ensures that every visitor feels a connection, promoting the idea that remembrance is a shared responsibility.

Careful attention to materials plays a crucial role in defining the character of "Under Ripple." Concrete serves as the foundation, lending stability and permanence to the structure. However, it is the use of wood that brings warmth and a tactile quality to the design. The wooden louvres, forming the undulating roof, not only serve a functional purpose by filtering light into the columbarium but also create a visual link to the overhanging trees in the surrounding forest. This interaction emphasizes the architecture’s integration with its natural environment, making it feel less like a separate entity and more like an extension of the landscape.

Glass elements within the design enhance this connection to nature by allowing for transparency and views of the forest. As natural light filters through, it creates a dynamic interplay of shadows, reinforcing the theme of memory as a fleeting yet lasting presence. The thoughtful incorporation of lighting both inside and outside of the building softens the space, ensuring that it is inviting and contemplative, particularly during transitional moments of the day such as dawn or dusk.

The project is unique not only for its form and materials but also for its approach to cultural significance. In Latvia, where memorial practices are deeply embedded in the cultural consciousness, "Under Ripple" resonates with notions of collective memory and national heritage. By merging contemporary architectural ideas with traditional values, the structure creates a dialogue about remembrance that is both modern and respectful of the past.

As an architectural piece, "Under Ripple" stands out for its innovative approach to memorialization. Rather than merely serving as a functional space, it provides a rich emotional landscape where visitors can reflect on their personal experiences of loss while also engaging with broader cultural narratives. This blend of the personal and the communal, the modern and the traditional, allows the project to fulfill its intended purpose effectively.

For those intrigued by the design and its elements, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and various design aspects will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas that give "Under Ripple" its unique character. Visiting the project presentation will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how the architecture resonates within its forest setting, connecting visitors to both nature and memory in profound ways.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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