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Suspended Concrete Veil Embracing Regenerative Greenery for Reflection and Remembrance

Authors:
Jean Beaudoin, Benoît Dupuis, Jean Beaudoin
Suspended Concrete Veil Embracing Regenerative Greenery for Reflection and Remembrance

Project in-detail

A suspended concrete veil creates a contemplative void within a regenerating forest, inviting reflection on memory and resilience while honoring the past through its role as a memorial.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended concrete veil serves as both a memorial and a protective barrier.
02
Surviving tree within the veil symbolizes resilience and continuity of life.
03
Located in a regenerating forest, enhancing the themes of hope and renewal.
04
Enclosed void creates an intimate environment for personal reflection.
05
Pathway through the landscape guides visitors towards the memorial experience.

The Last Genocide Memorial, named "The Survivor," is a thoughtful reflection on memory and healing. Situated within a forest, the memorial serves as a space for contemplation and remembrance. Its design features a suspended concrete veil, which symbolizes loss while also embodying hope. The overall concept creates a dialogue between the structure and the natural landscape that surrounds it.

Concept and Symbolism

At the core of the design is the idea of a protective barrier that signifies the void left by historical trauma. The way the concrete veil hangs suggests fragility, yet it also conveys strength. This duality helps to express the complex feelings tied to both memory and healing.

Integration with Nature

The memorial is located in a regenerating forest, reinforcing the theme of renewal. The surrounding trees and greenery enhance the significance of the memorial. This connection to nature contrasts with the serious history it commemorates, showing a continuity of life that persists despite past suffering.

Central Element

Inside the veil, a surviving tree stands as a focal point. This living element embodies resilience and continuity, highlighting the relationship between nature and human experience. It acts as a powerful reminder of life enduring through loss and strengthens the memorial's purpose.

Materiality and Spatial Experience

Concrete plays a key role in conveying the memorial's sense of permanence. The design creates an intimate space, inviting visitors to engage in reflection. The combination of the enclosed void and the natural landscape encourages meaningful contemplation, while also honoring significant historical events.

A pathway leads through the forest, guiding visitors toward the memorial. This route allows individuals to experience the contrast between the organic surroundings and the architectural form. The design fosters a sense of connection to both history and nature while encouraging personal reflection.

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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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