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Textured Concrete Towers with Interactive Memorial Tiles and Greenery Integration

Authors:
Allison Gonsalves, Marcin Sztaba
Textured Concrete Towers with Interactive Memorial Tiles and Greenery Integration

Project in-detail

Three contemplation towers made of textured concrete stand alongside interactive memorial tiles and a green wall, creating a reflective environment for remembrance and community gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three contemplation towers enhance privacy while offering distinct areas for reflection.
02
Interactive memorial tiles allow visitors to personalize tributes to the deceased.
03
The columbarium accommodates 500 niches organized in accessible groups of four.
04
Surrounding greenery forms a living wall, promoting sensory engagement with nature.
05
A central courtyard serves as a communal gathering space for ceremonies and celebrations.

The Columbarium project focuses on the themes of grief, memory, and reflection in a natural setting. Located among lush forests, it aims to create spaces that address both communal remembrance and individual contemplation. The design thoughtfully integrates the landscape, providing an environment that helps visitors connect with their emotions while honoring the memories of loved ones.

Entrance and Memorial Space

The entrance is positioned at the northeast corner of the site, inviting visitors with colorful tiles that represent memories. These tiles contrast with a plain stone wall that serves as a protective barrier for those who have passed. In the memorial space, individuals are encouraged to personalize tiles as tributes to their loved ones. This interactive element fosters a visually engaging atmosphere that reflects shared stories and identities.

Columbarium Structure

The columbarium contains 500 niches arranged in groups of four, promoting accessibility and a unified layout. These niches are surrounded by greenery, creating a living wall where visitors can plant flowers in memory of the deceased. This combination of architecture and nature enriches the sensory experience, allowing visitors to cultivate a deeper connection with the memories of those interred.

Courtyard and Contemplation Towers

The courtyard serves as a central gathering spot for ceremonies and community interactions. It reinforces the idea that the departed continue to be a part of everyday life, enabling shared moments of remembrance. For those seeking solitude, a descending pathway leads to three contemplation towers. These towers provide spaces for quiet reflection and are made from textured concrete with openings that let light in. The play of light and shadow creates a thoughtful environment for personal contemplation.

As visitors navigate this reflective setting, they experience the careful balance between nature and built form. The design honors life and the memories of those who have passed, creating a meaningful relationship between the site and the individuals who come to remember.

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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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