Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sculptural Space for Reflection Crafted from Recycled Metal and Soft Mesh Fabric

Authors:
Ann-kristin Müller, Amely Werner
Sculptural Space for Reflection Crafted from Recycled Metal and Soft Mesh Fabric

Project in-detail

Constructed from recycled metal and adorned with soft mesh fabric, the sculptural object serves as a communal space for reflection and memory within a cemetery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sculptural form guides the viewer's gaze upward, promoting a sense of hope.
02
Integrated book storage allows for shared memories and personal reflection.
03
Constructed with a plug-in system for easy assembly and relocation.
04
Made from recycled materials to emphasize environmental sustainability.
05
Open design permits access from all sides, fostering interaction among visitors.

The design is situated in a cemetery, focusing on the connections between grief, memory, and community. It aims to create a space that allows visitors to reflect on their experiences of loss while engaging with each other. This environment facilitates quiet activities, such as reading, which promotes personal remembrance. The design blends functionality with a tranquil aesthetic, enhancing the overall atmosphere of reflection.

Design Concept

Central to the design is a sculptural form that reflects the emotions felt by visitors. The shape directs the gaze upward, suggesting a connection with the deceased and embodying a sense of hope. This design invites visitors to engage with their surroundings more deeply. Rather than merely being a location for mourning, it encourages a more active form of remembrance.

Functional Elements

A notable aspect of the design is the integration of storage for books within the sculpture. Compartmentalized areas allow visitors to access materials that encourage reflection and personal connection to their memories. This approach fosters a sense of community, as visitors can donate books, contributing to a shared narrative that honors loved ones. By encouraging reading, it deepens visitors’ engagement with the space.

Structural Considerations

Stability in the design is provided by a plug-in system, which allows for easy assembly and disassembly. This practicality is significant, enabling the structure to be moved between different cemetery locations. Such flexibility ensures it can adapt to various cultural practices surrounding grief and remembrance.

Materials

The design employs four-sided recycled metal pipes, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The use of recycled mesh fabric for the covering further emphasizes environmental responsibility. These materials support the structure while also contributing to its overall look, giving it a soft and inviting appearance.

The sculptural form encourages visitors to approach it from different perspectives, promoting interaction and reflection within the cemetery. It reshapes the experience of mourning, creating a space that is both functional and meaningful.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy