Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Radial Structure with Copper Trellises and Natural Stone for Reflection Spaces

Author:
James Juscik
Radial Structure with Copper Trellises and Natural Stone for Reflection Spaces

Project in-detail

The radial structure with copper trellises and dolomite stone creates a contemplative landscape that fosters both personal reflection and communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radial structure reflects the growth rings of the Small Leaved European Lime Tree.
02
Copper trellises support climbing plants, enhancing ecological diversity.
03
Dolomite stone offers a natural texture integral to the landscape.
04
Integrated benches from reclaimed wood provide sustainable seating options.
05
Permeable pavers manage water drainage while promoting ecological balance.

"Living Cycles: Columbarium – The Chambers of Memories" explores themes of commemoration and reflection. In a thoughtfully designed landscape, the Small Leaved European Lime Tree serves as a central feature. The design concept is rooted in a radial ring structure that mimics the growth rings of the tree, creating a space where nature and architecture coexist. This relationship fosters an environment that encourages both personal thought and communal connection.

Structure and Circulation

The radial layout enhances movement throughout the space, allowing visitors to engage with different areas easily. This design creates defined zones that invite moments of solitude as well as opportunities for social interaction. Careful consideration has been given to accessibility, ensuring that everyone can navigate the columbarium and partake in its quiet reflection.

Material Palette

The materials chosen for the project support the overall design concept while adding to the sensory experience of the space. Copper trellises provide support for climbing plants, adding life to the structure. Dolomite stone introduces a natural texture that grounds the design within its environment. Integrated benches made from reclaimed wood offer comfortable seating for visitors, while permeable pavers help manage water drainage and promote ecological balance.

Seasonal Engagement

This project encourages a meaningful relationship between architecture and the changing seasons. As visitors move through the site, they experience a variety of atmospheres that shift with time. This connection to the seasons deepens personal engagement within the columbarium and reinforces the central theme of life cycles and memory.

The combination of the structured landscape and the living tree creates a thoughtful setting that invites quiet contemplation. In this way, the design serves as a space for remembering and honoring experiences, strengthening the bond between nature and personal history.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy