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Memorial space featuring regional limestone and a suspended red metal ring for reflection and connection to nature

Authors:
Tim Griffin, Nate Hulse, Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Landis
Memorial space featuring regional limestone and a suspended red metal ring for reflection and connection to nature

Project in-detail

This thoughtfully designed memorial space combines the warmth of regional limestone with a suspended red metal ring, inviting visitors to engage in quiet reflection amid a serene landscape anchored by a central linden tree.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The central linden tree was intentionally chosen for its symbolic representation of continuity and growth, enhancing the project's thematic depth.
02
A suspended red metal ring not only serves as a visual focal point but also signifies the cycle of life, creating a poignant connection to the site’s purpose.
03
The design incorporates regional limestone in various forms, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the local environment while providing durability.
04
Crushed limestone is utilized in the Zen garden area, creating a meditative landscape that fosters a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.
05
The strategic placement of glass openings throughout the structure frames specific views of the landscape, guiding visitor focus and enriching their experience of the surrounding nature.
The project is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor that seeks to explore profound themes surrounding life and death, creating a contemplative environment for visitors. Situated in a context suggestive of a memorial or serene gathering space, the architecture captures the delicate balance of these themes through a well-considered integration of various elements. The design promotes reflection and introspection, merging built form with the surrounding landscape, thereby enhancing the overall experience.

At its core, the project serves as a gathering point, facilitating moments of contemplation, community interaction, and personal reflection. Its architectural narrative emphasizes connectivity—not just between individuals, but also between the built environment and the natural world. This relationship is established through the use of natural materials and strategic spatial arrangements that frame the context, allowing for a seamless transition from architecture to landscape.

The entrance points to the project are deliberately chosen to guide visitors through a series of paths that encourages exploration and promotes a sense of journey. Upon entering, visitors encounter a central chamber surrounded by walls crafted from regional limestone, which not only provides a tactile quality but resonates with the area's geological identity. This central space is designed to foster a sense of intimacy, inviting reflection amid the robustness of its limestone surroundings.

A significant feature of the project is the inclusion of a linden tree positioned centrally within the space, symbolizing continuity and growth. This element reinforces the relationship between architecture and nature, serving as a focal point that brings life into the design. The open spaces around the tree are intended to be used for quiet meditation, allowing individuals the opportunity to pause and engage thoughtfully with their surroundings. This area promotes a tranquil atmosphere conducive to reflective practices.

The design also prioritizes visual connection, utilizing clear glass and strategically placed openings that frame views of the external landscape. These windows draw the eye outward, encouraging an interaction with nature while simultaneously fostering a sense of enclosure and safety within the built environment. The careful alignment of these elements ensures that light and shadow play a significant role in creating atmosphere throughout the day, with variations that alter the visitor's experience as time progresses.

A unique aspect of the project is the inclusion of a suspended red metal ring that hovers above the central area. This design feature embodies the cyclical nature of life, subtly reminding visitors of the interplay between existence and transcendence. The metal ring adds a contemporary quality to the overall design and serves to elicit curiosity, contrasting with the natural materials present while also offering an aesthetic that encourages contemplation.

The project embraces sustainability and local context with its material choices. Regional limestone and crushed limestone not only support the design's relationship with the site but also enhance durability. The use of wood accents adds warmth, effectively balancing the robust stone elements and creating spaces that feel inviting and accessible.

In sum, this architectural design stands as a reflective and engaging response to the themes of life and mortality. It encourages visitors to engage with both the architecture and the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of their relationship with nature and community. Such an approach to design provides valuable insights into how architecture can frame experiences of contemplation and connection. For a more detailed understanding, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that articulate the project further, allowing for a fuller appreciation of the ideas and intentions that define its fabric.
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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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