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Reflective Niches in Black Marble Within a Forest Landscape

Authors:
Shenglan Xu, Jiaqi Li
Reflective Niches in Black Marble Within a Forest Landscape
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Concealed within a Latvian forest, reflective niches made of black marble invite contemplation on mortality, creating a serene space for remembrance and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concealed niches integrate reflective surfaces to enhance the experience of hidden mortality within nature.
02
The design is inspired by the ancient Latvian Austra pattern, symbolizing temporal connections.
03
Small slopes in the terrain are used to manage rainwater, creating natural water features that reflect the niches.
04
Black frosted marble is used for niche construction, providing a visual contrast with the surrounding forest.
05
Birch trees are strategically planted to further blend the niches into the natural landscape.

The design explores themes of mortality and its connection to nature through the concept of "Invisible Chambers." The project sits within a forest, featuring hidden niches that encourage quiet contemplation of life and death. By integrating these niches into the natural landscape, the design reflects a respectful acknowledgment of mortality as part of the human experience, blending built forms with their surroundings.

Design Concept
-
The aim is to express acceptance of death as a part of the natural cycle. Niches are thoughtfully concealed among birch trees, utilizing reflective surfaces that help them merge into the environment. This approach symbolizes the often-hidden aspects of mortality, illustrating how life and death coexist in the natural world.

Cultural Inspiration
-
The layout is influenced by the ancient Latvian pattern known as Austra. This pattern adds a layer of cultural significance and serves as a metaphor for the connections between past, present, and future. By incorporating such elements, the design creates a space that encourages thoughtfulness and reflection, allowing people to consider their place in the flow of time.

Terrain and Water Management
-
Attention to the terrain is crucial, especially given the temperate broad-leaved forest climate of Latvia. The design includes small slopes that manage rainwater, guiding it to specific areas where puddles form during rainfall. This strategy not only enhances the site's visual interest but also reinforces the underlying theme of interconnectedness between human-made spaces and the natural environment.

Materials and Construction
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The niches are made from black frosted marble and encased in mirrored stainless steel. These materials serve practical and aesthetic purposes. The reflective stainless steel allows the niches to blend in with the surroundings, while the marble adds a contrasting texture. Together, they create a visual representation of the relationship between people and nature, echoing the main ideas behind the design.

The detailed approach captures the essence of life and death, with niches that are subtly integrated into the forest. This careful placement and choice of materials invite reflection, providing space for contemplation in a tranquil environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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