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Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Light Openings in a Reflective Memorial Space

Author:
Chiarini Claudio
Rammed Earth Walls and Natural Light Openings in a Reflective Memorial Space
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Rammed earth walls and strategically placed zenith openings create a serene memorial space that emphasizes memory and reflection while fostering a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides thermal mass and environmental integration.
02
Zenith openings create a unique interplay of natural light throughout the day.
03
The design includes 500 niches for urns, promoting community remembrance.
04
The tree of life serves as a central symbolic element within the memorial.
05
Natural materials blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape for harmony.

The memorial space is located in diverse settings like Mangalsala and Daugavgrīva. Its main aim is to offer a place for reflection and remembrance. The design captures the relationship between enclosed areas and open pathways, symbolizing the connection between the past and present. The focus is on creating an environment that allows visitors to engage deeply with their memories and the natural world.

Construction Technique

A reinforced plywood framework supports layers of moist earth, ensuring stability and durability. This construction method highlights the use of natural materials, resulting in a design that resonates with the surrounding landscape. The walls are made of rammed earth, also known as Pisé, which adds texture and a sensory quality to the space.

Light Integration

Natural light is thoughtfully integrated through zenith openings in the walls. These openings allow light to filter inside, creating a calm atmosphere that invites contemplation. This interplay of light throughout the day enhances the experience for visitors, emphasizing the memorial's connection to the environment and the changing moments of daily life.

Columbarium Design

The design includes a columbarium with 500 niches, organized across various buildings. Each niche can hold one to four urns, accommodating different memorialization needs. This arrangement fosters accessibility and a sense of community, encouraging meaningful interactions among visitors as they honor those they have lost.

Symbolic Elements

Central to the design is the tree of life, which serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and resilience. It intertwines spiritual and earthly elements, representing the cycle of life and memory. This feature adds depth to the overall narrative of the space, inviting visitors to reflect on existence and the passage of time.

The rammed earth walls interact with light, creating a peaceful ambiance. Soft pathways guide visitors through the space, encouraging quiet contemplation as they navigate memories and emotions.

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

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Competition organisers

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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