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Natural Stone and Glass Interplay in a Reflective Commemorative Space

Author:
Robert Cropper
Natural Stone and Glass Interplay in a Reflective Commemorative Space

Project in-detail

Defined by its undulating forms and seamless integration of natural stone and glass, the memorial invites visitors to engage with history and reflection in a thoughtfully designed public space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Undulating surfaces create a dynamic interaction between light and shadow.
02
Natural stone and glass enhance the memorial's connection to its surroundings.
03
Landscaping integrates trees to provide shade and a contemplative atmosphere.
04
Accessible pathways encourage diverse visitor engagement with the space.
05
The architectural form symbolizes unity and continuity in memory.

### Overview

The Chain Memorial is situated in Riga and serves as a commemorative structure that addresses critical historical narratives. Designed to evoke themes of memory and identity, the project emphasizes a dialogue between the past and present through its architectural form and spatial organization. The integration of the memorial within its urban context enables both continuity with the surrounding environment and an inviting atmosphere for reflection.

### Spatial Organization and Materiality

The architectural form features undulating surfaces that suggest movement and connectivity, encouraging interaction from various perspectives. The memorial employs natural stone as its primary material, lending a sense of permanence, while strategically placed glass inserts create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the memorial's narrative. Concrete serves as a robust secondary material, contrasting with the softer stone elements and contributing to the overall structural integrity.

The relationship between landscape and design is integral, with ample vegetation surrounding the site to soften the hardscape and foster a tranquil space for contemplation. Thoughtfully designed pathways and seating areas promote visitor engagement, guiding individuals through the space to reflect on its significance. The varying scales of the memorial elements relate closely to the human form, ensuring accessibility and facilitating diverse forms of interaction, whether intimate or communal.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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