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Serpentine Pathways and Reflective Water Features Embrace Concrete and Natural Wood Elements

Author:
Guangrong Liu
Serpentine Pathways and Reflective Water Features Embrace Concrete and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Incorporating serpentine pathways and reflective water features, the design harmonizes concrete and natural wood elements to create an engaging space for reflection and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates serpentine pathways that encourage exploration and movement through the site.
02
Features reflective water elements that enhance the sensory experience and promote tranquility.
03
Utilizes a combination of concrete and natural wood for structural elements to ensure durability and warmth.
04
Includes interactive exhibition spaces to engage visitors with historical narratives of the Baltic Way.
05
Integrates existing landscape features with new greenery, reinforcing ecological sustainability in urban design.

### Project Overview
The Baltic Way Memorial is situated in a historically significant area, serving as a site that honors the peaceful protests and unity among the Baltic states in their pursuit of freedom. The overarching design philosophy, titled “Hand in Hand,” focuses on community engagement and collaboration, skillfully intertwining historical narratives with contemporary urban life. This memorial integrates thoughtfully into the existing landscape, providing a space for reflection and communal activity.

### Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization is characterized by serpentine pathways that facilitate movement and connection among visitors. These pathways are designed to encourage exploration and interaction, leading to varied communal spaces that cater to both quiet contemplation and lively gatherings. Features such as seating areas and a water installation provide distinct settings for reflection and social engagement, enhancing the overall functionality of the memorial. The layout promotes accessibility, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can navigate and enjoy the space without impediments.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is integral to the memorial's design, with a focus on durability and environmental integration. Key materials include plain concrete for structural stability, wood for warmth and tactile engagement, and glass to promote transparency within exhibition spaces. Stone details add contrast and texture, while areas of grass contribute to the landscape’s ecological diversity. This careful selection of materials not only supports the memorial’s aesthetic objectives but also aligns with sustainable practices by incorporating local resources and facilitating a connection to nature.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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