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Stainless Steel Mesh Weaving Connection in a Reflective Memorial

Authors:
Virginia lucía Chavarría elvir, Ingrid del socorro Hamm ríos, Ángela paola Hidalgo gonzález, Adriana del carmen López abdalah
Stainless Steel Mesh Weaving Connection in a Reflective Memorial

Project in-detail

The integration of stainless steel mesh and concrete creates a reflective memorial that weaves together narratives of cultural unity and shared pain, serving as a space for contemplation and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a unique pattern within the stainless steel mesh.
02
A 10 cm thick concrete cylinder serves both as a functional element and as part of the memorial experience.
03
The integration of aromas from burning incense enhances sensory engagement for visitors.
04
Two main lines symbolize the connection between various cultural identities.
05
The overall form allows for fluid movement and varied perspectives through the memorial.

The memorial features a design that reflects the theme of connection and unity among human experiences. Located in an inviting environment, it serves as a place for reflection and collective remembrance. The design concept draws from the idea of intertwined fibers, symbolizing the strength that comes from individual identities joining together to form a cohesive whole.

Conceptual Framework

At the heart of the design are two main lines that seek to integrate and connect with one another. These lines represent the relationships among various cultures, ethnicities, and historical backgrounds. Each line reflects different aspects of human experience, such as race, culture, and community. This layered idea emphasizes the complexity of identity while showcasing the importance of shared stories that build understanding and empathy.

Materiality and Structure

The memorial incorporates stainless steel mesh, which features a customized pattern to create a contemporary look that invites visual exploration. This material allows for transparency and lightness, so it interacts well with the surrounding environment. A metallic grid supports the structure, providing stability while contributing to the monument's intricate appearance.

Concrete foundations ensure the memorial’s durability and stability. Notably, a 10 cm thick concrete cylinder is designed for burning incense and hosting bonfires, reinforcing the memorial’s purpose as a space for reflection and gathering. This feature serves both functional and spiritual roles, closely linking the physical structure with the emotional experience of remembrance.

Experiential Design

This design emphasizes sensory experience through the incorporation of aromas released from the memorial, encouraging deeper engagement from visitors. By connecting the physical space with the emotional narratives contained within it, aromas enhance the overall experience. This approach enriches the interaction, allowing individuals to feel the weight of the stories and memories that are being honored.

The combination of abstract forms and thoughtful material choices results in a fluid shape, inviting exploration and engagement. Visitors can navigate around and through the monument, embodying the numerous connections that bind different lives and histories together, while subtly reminding them of the shared human experience of loss and resilience.

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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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