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Reflections of Memory in Supermatte Black Facades

Authors:
Alpamys Kemelbekov, Sadyr Khabukhayev
Reflections of Memory in Supermatte Black Facades

Project in-detail

Supermatte black facades create an immersive experience, capturing reflections of memory and loss in a contemplative memorial space dedicated to honoring historical tragedies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Supermatte black facades enhance the visual concept of void and emptiness.
02
Reflective surfaces create a dynamic interaction between light and visitor presence.
03
The design aims to address collective memory and historical loss.
04
Dark exterior contrasts with luminous interior to facilitate introspection.
05
Visitors encounter their reflections, connecting personal experiences to shared narratives.

The design "Beauty in Void" explores themes of loss and memory within a space that serves as a memorial. It invites visitors to connect with feelings of grief and resilience. By focusing on the concept of the void, the design addresses historical tragedies, creating an environment for reflection and understanding through its unique treatment of space and light.

Conceptual Framework

The central theme of the void manifests through dark facades that symbolize the weight of emptiness experienced during times of grief. The surfaces utilize a supermatte coating that creates a black hole effect, visually reinforcing the narrative of absorption and nothingness. This choice in design helps to establish a distinct contrast between the outside world and what individuals experience inside the space, prompting deeper contemplation.

Spatial Dynamics

Inside, the design features light-reflecting facets that create a dynamic interaction between light and space. As visitors navigate through the area, their reflections intermingle with the ambient light, producing a continually shifting visual experience. This element encourages personal connection, allowing individuals to see their presence within the broader context of collective memory and history.

Emotional Resonance

The contrast between dark exteriors and bright interiors highlights the essence of life amid tragedy. Each visitor is encouraged to confront their emotions surrounding loss while paying homage to the lives that contributed to the shared narrative. This thoughtful design approach creates a rich experience, fostering a dialogue between memory, presence, and resilience.

The reflective surfaces within the interior capture shimmering images, serving as reminders of past lives. This allows the space to become a living tribute to loss and remembrance, where memories coexist with the present, inviting exploration and contemplation.

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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

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