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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
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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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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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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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