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Natural Light Play Within A Below-Ground Memorial Constructed In Concrete

Authors:
Beka Dvali, Lasha Alavidze, Jemal Katamadze, Nodari Maisaia
Natural Light Play Within A Below-Ground Memorial Constructed In Concrete

Project in-detail

A below-ground memorial constructed from concrete features skylights that enhance natural light, providing a tranquil space for reflection and honoring the memories of the departed.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building is located entirely underground, minimizing visual impact on the forest landscape.
02
Skylights designed to guide natural light create a connection to the sky above.
03
Niches for urns are tailored for personalization, allowing visitors to leave candles and flowers.
04
The project incorporates a green roof to facilitate rainwater collection and enhance ecological performance.
05
Concrete was chosen for load-bearing structures, emphasizing durability and strength in design.

The Chamber of Memories is a thoughtful exploration of themes related to mortality and remembrance, set in a forested environment. The design serves as both a place to honor those who have passed and a space for visitors to reflect on their own experiences. Situated below ground, the structure works to preserve the natural landscape and integrate with its surroundings, allowing the architecture to blend with nature rather than overshadow it.

Architectural Form

The design features a distinctive architectural form that prioritizes the preservation of the landscape. Three entry points provide access to the building: a main entrance that connects directly to a driveway, and two additional exits that lead to a green roof. This layout promotes accessibility, ensuring everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can navigate the space comfortably and meaningfully.

Interior Experience

Inside, the space follows minimalist principles, which helps create a calm and focused atmosphere. The interior includes a dedicated wall for displaying historical elements, enhancing the personal connection for visitors. Strategically placed skylights allow natural light to fill the area, connecting the space to the outside world. At night, beams of light directed toward the sky emphasize the transition between life and death, enriching the overall experience.

Functional Elements

Practical design features include fixed seating areas, which provide comfort for visitors, alongside walkways that enhance the usability of the exterior space. Sustainability is also a key consideration, with the inclusion of a green roof that provides insulation and captures rainwater. This approach helps the building coexist with its environment while reducing its ecological footprint.

Material and Structure

The construction primarily utilizes concrete for load-bearing walls, which offers strength and durability. The front façade incorporates extensive glazing, allowing for abundant natural light to enter the building. This not only illuminates the interior but also reinforces the connection between the inside of the structure and the natural surroundings.

Gentle curves define the central gathering area, encouraging visitors to engage with their memories and connect with the tranquil environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

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