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Natural Light and Charred Shingles Embrace Reflection in a Community Columbarium

Author:
Alaina Willard
Natural Light and Charred Shingles Embrace Reflection in a Community Columbarium

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements create a serene environment that seamlessly integrates with the forest, providing a space for communal reflection and memorialization.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique weathered aesthetic while enhancing fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a lightweight yet strong structural framework.
03
Natural light is maximized through clerestory windows, fostering a tranquil environment.
04
The bent A-frame design mirrors surrounding tree canopies for visual harmony.
05
Dedicated communal spaces encourage collective remembrance and interaction.
The Forest Nest is an architectural project that provides a dedicated space for reflection and memorialization. Nestled within a natural forested area, it serves as both a columbarium and a gathering area for the community. The design emphasizes integration with the natural landscape, reflecting themes of life cycles and interconnectedness. The architectural layout comprises a series of interconnected structures that present a harmonious balance between built space and natural environment, fostering a sense of continuity between memory and nature.

Unique Conceptual Framework

The project’s core concept revolves around the metaphor of a nest, symbolizing safety, nurturing, and the cycle of life. This metaphor manifests through the arrangement of spaces, which invite visitors to engage in moments of remembrance and reflection. Each architectural element is designed to enhance the visitor's experience, from the flowing shapes that mimic organic forms to the careful selection of materials that resonate with the surrounding environment. Unlike conventional memorial spaces, The Forest Nest encourages communal interaction and personal narratives, promoting healing through collective remembrance.

Materials and Design Integration

The design incorporates durable materials, such as concrete, glass, wood, and stone, each chosen for its relevance to the project’s overarching narrative. Concrete structures provide permanence, while glass elements facilitate transparency and light, connecting interiors with the outside. Wood elements create warmth, enhancing the emotional impact of the space, and stone pathways offer a tactile experience that aligns users with the natural terrain.

Attention to site-specific conditions is evident in the project's orientation and layout design. Strategic placement of windows allows for optimal natural light, while overhangs offer shelter and shade, adapting to seasonal variations. The project thoughtfully directs circulation, guiding visitors through the site’s winding paths, encouraging exploration and contemplation within the landscaped areas.

Community Engagement and Functionality

The Forest Nest is designed not only as a place for individual reflection but also as a venue for community gatherings. Different areas within the project cater to various functions, including ceremony spaces for memorial services and private reflection corners for solitude. The landscape design promotes communal interaction, with gardens and seating areas that foster collective engagement. This design choice distinguishes the project from typical memorial spaces, emphasizing a blend of personal and communal experiences.

For a comprehensive understanding of The Forest Nest, including its architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore further details of the project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas and design methodologies employed in this unique project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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