Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Rammed Earth and Gravel Embrace in a Contemplative Columbarium

Authors:
Marzena Stasik, Janusz Ziobrowski
Rammed Earth and Gravel Embrace in a Contemplative Columbarium

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth and washed gravel, the columbarium offers a serene environment for reflection, harmonizing with the natural landscape while addressing themes of memory and loss.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides a natural, textural quality.
02
Elevated and recessed forms create dynamic negative spaces for reflection.
03
Light enters through strategically placed openings, enhancing emotional experiences.
04
Integration of native vegetation fosters a connection to the surrounding landscape.
05
Washed gravel pathways seamlessly connect the columbarium to the forest.

The columbarium known as "Chamber of Memories" is located in the historically significant Riga Forest Cemetery. It serves as a space for remembrance and reflection, exploring deep themes related to death and loss. The design concept emphasizes the relationship between built forms and the natural environment, creating a setting for visitors to navigate their emotions.

Spatial Composition
The layout features geometric shapes like squares, circles, and rectangles arranged with care. Some forms are elevated while others are recessed, creating a dialogue between them. These changes in elevation produce negative spaces that define areas for quiet reflection. Visitors can easily move through the structure, experiencing different feelings as they transition from solitude to shared moments of remembrance.

Light and Shadow
Natural light plays an important role in shaping the experience within the columbarium. Openings in the structure allow daylight to enter from various angles. The interaction of light and shadow adds depth to the spatial qualities, enabling visitors to engage with the space in different ways throughout the day. Sunlight filtering through enhances the atmosphere, creating a setting that encourages contemplation.

Integration with Nature
The columbarium is closely tied to its surrounding landscape, which includes gentle meadows and tall evergreen trees. This connection to nature is essential in creating a calming environment. The design strives to make the experience of remembrance relatable and grounding, compelling visitors to reflect on their memories while being embraced by the tranquility of the outdoors.

Materiality
The use of cement-stabilized rammed earth lends a sturdy and textured surface to the columbarium. This material choice signifies themes of permanence and memory. Polished concrete elements are incorporated to ensure durability and maintain a visual connection to existing structures in the cemetery. The site features washed gravel, which helps blend the built environment with the natural landscape, reinforcing the unity between architecture and nature.

As visitors explore the spaces, they find moments of stillness. The interplay of light, the tactile surfaces, and the presence of nature work together, providing a rich and meaningful experience of remembrance.

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