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

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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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