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Natural Light and Concrete Unity in a Tranquil Memorial Space

Author:
Svetlana Zyubina
Natural Light and Concrete Unity in a Tranquil Memorial Space
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A silhouette inspired by trees and constructed primarily from concrete, this tranquil space honors memory and reflection, providing a serene environment for commemorating loved ones.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by tree silhouettes, the design fosters a direct connection with nature.
02
Light-colored pedestals enhance the integration with the surrounding landscape.
03
Dedicated niches for candles or mementos personalize the reflection experience.
04
Public gathering spaces encourage communal mourning and support.
05
Constructed primarily from durable concrete for longevity and stability.

The design of the funeral complex centers around creating a peaceful environment for remembrance and reflection. Located within a carefully chosen natural setting, the complex integrates with its surroundings, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the space. The overall design concept emphasizes calmness and unity, providing a supportive atmosphere for those mourning and honoring their departed loved ones.

Design Inspiration
The architecture is inspired by the form of a tree, emphasizing its trunk, branches, and roots. This connection to nature symbolizes continuity and interconnectedness, highlighting the relationship between life and death. By using this imagery, the design conveys the significance of memory and the bond between the living and those who have passed on.

Spatial Organization
The layout features distinct areas that encourage personal interactions. A public gathering space is provided for family and friends, complete with benches, appropriate lighting, and landscaped elements. This space is designed for both farewells and celebrations of life, serving as a vital part of the overall experience.

Material Selection
Material choices are important, focusing on durability and a cohesive aesthetic. Solid concrete is the primary material, valued for its strength and long-lasting qualities, making it suitable for a space dedicated to memory. Pine is used for its warmth and appealing texture, which adds to the inviting atmosphere. Steel elements are included for structural stability, while glass is used to create a sense of lightness and openness.

As visitors explore the complex, they encounter storage units for urns, each designed with a niche for candles or personal items. This detail reinforces the personal connections to those who have passed, encapsulating the theme of remembrance that runs throughout the design.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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