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Reflective Niches in Black Marble and Natural Green Setting

Authors:
子涵 高, 英姿 金, 芸 白, 哲 董
Reflective Niches in Black Marble and Natural Green Setting

Project in-detail

Black marble passages lead visitors into a subterranean space adorned with radial niches, creating a reflective environment that serves as a contemplative memorial for those seeking solace.
5 key facts about this project
01
Black marble passages create a reflective journey from the natural landscape to the underground space.
02
Radial niches arranged in a circular pattern resonate with the shape of the Sun.
03
Light filters through a thick laminated glass roof, enhancing the connection to the sky.
04
Surrounding platforms accommodate candle placements, designed to collect wax oil.
05
An immersive lighting strategy evokes a starry atmosphere in the subterranean environment.

The design presents a contemplative space set within a natural area, emphasizing themes of reflection and continuity. Using a circular layout, the structure promotes a meaningful connection with its surroundings. The overall design invites visitors to find solace and engage in introspection while connecting with the landscape around them.

Spatial Configuration

The circular form of the design creates a sense of unity among the various elements. Niches are arranged in a radial pattern, echoing the shape of the Sun, which signifies a deep relationship with nature. This approach enhances the feeling of integration since the niches appear to blend into the greenery, highlighting the bond between constructed space and the environment.

Entrance Experience

A prominent feature is the entrance to the underground area. Visitors start their journey on a gently sloping ramp hidden within the woods. This pathway is flanked by black marble, which adds to the reflective quality of the experience. Upon reaching the underground space, visitors enter a broad area without walls, where light filters in from above, creating a celestial atmosphere that harmonizes with the presence of water.

Illumination Strategy

Lighting plays a critical role in shaping the ambience of the space. The design includes three levels of light. Ambient strips provide foundational illumination, while moderate intensity lights highlight the niches and contribute to a calm atmosphere. Additional lights positioned strategically in the lawn and dome create a starry effect that deepens the immersive quality of this tranquil environment.

Material Considerations

The choice of materials is intentional and suits the design's overall concept. Black marble is used in the passageway, providing both visual appeal and functionality. There is also the potential use of thick laminated glass in the niches, which allows natural light to enter while connecting the interior to the landscape outside. These selections enhance the sensory experience, emphasizing the interaction between light, space, and memory.

The niches are numbered, dividing the space into east and west zones. Surrounding platforms accommodate acts of remembrance, such as placing candles, with grooves specifically designed to collect wax oil. This careful attention to detail enriches the reflective atmosphere of the space.

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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

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