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Reflective Water and Subterranean Niches in a Contemplative Memorial Space

Authors:
Thomas Gomez ospina, Patryk Banel, Florencio IV Tameta, Kristen Sarmiento
Reflective Water and Subterranean Niches in a Contemplative Memorial Space

Project in-detail

A series of sculptural towers create an abstract forest while a subterranean cave with reflective water invites contemplation, serving as a memorial space that embodies Latvian beliefs about life and death.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sculptural towers create an abstract representation of a forest.
02
The design mimics the Daugava River to symbolize life and death.
03
A subterranean cave houses niches for personal reflection.
04
Reflective water enhances the connection between realms.
05
The project embodies traditional Latvian beliefs about mortality.

The Aizsaule project is located in Riga Forest Cemetery and serves as a memorial space rooted in Latvian mythology, exploring the connection between life and death. The design concept centers on Aizsaule, which means the realm of the dead and the land beyond the sun. This theme is expressed through a blend of natural elements and sculptural forms, harmonizing spiritual acknowledgment with modern architectural design.

Sculptural Towers

A series of sculptural towers are arranged across the site, creating a setting reminiscent of an abstract forest. Each tower follows a path that parallels the Daugava River, serving as a symbolic division between life and death. This organization encourages visitors to move through the area, promoting exploration and reflection as they interact with the memorial.

Cave of Niches

Beneath the towers lies a cave that contains niches, extending the architectural narrative underground. This hidden space allows for quiet contemplation, emphasizing the connection to the underworld, which is significant in Latvian views of death. The cave offers a more personal experience, inviting visitors to engage with the memorial in an intimate setting.

Reflective Water Feature

A prominent design element within the cave is a body of water that functions as a mirror, reflecting the environment around it. This water adds depth to the memorial, acting both as a memorial feature and a visual link between the realms of life and death. It reflects the towers, graves, and forest, enhancing the project's exploration of duality and connection.

The design integrates these elements to create a contemplative experience that aligns with the surrounding landscape. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on memory and reverence as they navigate this space. Sunlight interacts with the surfaces of the towers and the water, creating an evolving atmosphere that changes throughout the day. The thoughtful arrangement of these features resonates with the cultural context of Latvia and invites meaningful engagement.

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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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