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Reflective Pond with Cantilevered Niches in a Tranquil Forest Setting

Authors:
Chen He, Zhiwei Liu, Wenkai Xu
Reflective Pond with Cantilevered Niches in a Tranquil Forest Setting
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Cantilevered niches are integrated with reflective water surfaces amidst a tranquil forest, providing a serene environment for remembrance and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective pond edges create a mirror effect, enhancing the connection to nature.
02
Cantilevered niches allow for unique floral placements, fostering personal memorial experiences.
03
A single-pitched roof design directs attention toward significant areas within the site.
04
The colonnade structure echoes local tree trunks, reinforcing the architectural relationship with the forest.
05
Water feature serves a dual purpose of aesthetic appeal and sanitation for visitors.

The Columbarium in the Forest is focused on creating spaces for remembrance and reflection within a natural environment. Located in a dense forest, the project combines three main elements—a fountain, a pavilion-like building, and a small pond. Together, these elements work to provide visitors with varied opportunities for contemplation and connection to nature. The design emphasizes harmony between architecture and landscape, offering a serene setting for those seeking solace.

Fountain Experience

Visitors approach the site and first encounter a long fountain that stretches from the road to the lawn. This water feature enhances the area's visual appeal and creates a calm atmosphere. It also serves a practical role, allowing visitors to wash their hands after placing flowers and lighting candles—gestures of remembrance. The fountain marks the beginning of a reflective journey, drawing people into the deeper spaces beyond.

Pavilion Structure

A gentle slope leads to the pavilion-like building, which features a single-pitched roof that identifies its form. This structure directs attention toward important areas within the site. The entrance consists of a narrow, dimly lit passage that opens into a colonnade. The columns are designed to echo the surrounding tree trunks, helping to unify the architecture with the natural landscape. Various small doors invite visitors to explore, making the experience feel more personal and engaging.

Interior Arrangement

Inside the columbarium, visitors find two different types of rooms that offer varied experiences. One room features panels that cover niches for urns, along with a large round table for arranging flowers. The second room has small cantilevered platforms extending from the niches specifically for floral offerings. This layout accommodates both shared remembrance and personal reflection, allowing visitors to navigate emotional journeys. The different room depths add to the complexity of the experience, creating engaging spaces.

Pond and Pavilion Interaction

Leaving the columbarium brings visitors to a pavilion overlooking a peaceful pond. Here, the space shifts from openness to a more enclosed feel, framed by tall pine trees that enhance intimacy. A long bench near the pond provides a place to rest, while the pond itself features slender edges that create a reflective surface. This design detail invites quiet moments of contemplation, allowing visitors to connect with the surrounding environment. The calm reflections in the water provide a moment of pause amidst nature’s presence.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

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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