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Translucent Canopies and Limestone Textures in a Woodland Columbarium

Author:
Zsuzsa Peter
Translucent Canopies and Limestone Textures in a Woodland Columbarium

Project in-detail

Translucent fiberglass canopies merge with textured limestone walls, creating a tranquil columbarium that seamlessly integrates with its forest surroundings while providing a reflective space for remembrance.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent fiberglass panels create dynamic light patterns within the chapels.
02
Limestone walls are bush hammered to enhance texture and the natural aesthetic.
03
Timber canopies extend beyond the structure, integrating the design with surrounding trees.
04
The arrangement of fourteen chapels allows for varying degrees of privacy and contemplation.
05
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability while providing visual interest.
The "Field of Chapels" is an architectural project designed to serve as a peaceful columbarium within a forested landscape, aimed at facilitating remembrance and contemplation. This project embodies a unique blend of architectural forms and natural elements, creating a setting where visitors can engage deeply with their thoughts and memories. By integrating the structure into the natural environment, the design minimizes disruption while enhancing the overall experience of tranquility and reflection.

Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The design features a series of fourteen chapels arranged in a linear formation across three levels, fostering a sense of connection and flow. Each chapel is positioned thoughtfully to provide varying degrees of privacy while still encouraging community gathering. The use of varying building heights enhances visual interest and strategically frames views of the surrounding landscape. The architectural layout is complemented by meticulously planned pathways that allow for leisurely movement throughout the site, enhancing the experiential quality of the space.

The project emphasizes the relationship between the architectural elements and the surrounding environment. Canopy structures made from timber extend outward, creating shaded areas that invite exploration and contemplation. These canopies are not merely functional; they serve as elements of design that evoke the imagery of natural forms, contributing to the overall theme of harmony with nature.

Materiality and Structural Integrity

The "Field of Chapels" employs a distinctive palette of materials that underscores its design philosophy. Key materials include:

- Steel for the structural frame, providing essential strength while allowing for open, airy spaces.
- Timber, used extensively in canopies and wall elements, adding warmth and a tactile quality that complements the surrounding forest.
- Bush hammered limestone panels, which introduce texture and connect the design to the earth.
- Fiberglass reinforced polymer panels, utilized for their translucency, allowing light to filter into interior spaces, enhancing their atmospheric qualities.

This careful selection of materials not only contributes to the visual and sensory experience but also aligns with the project's overarching goal of creating a space that feels integrated into its natural context.

Unique Design Approaches to Memorialization

A noteworthy aspect of the "Field of Chapels" is its innovative approach to memorialization. Unlike traditional columbarium designs that often focus on solitary structures, this project emphasizes interconnectedness through its arrangement of multiple chapels. This layout fosters a communal atmosphere where visitors can reflect both individually and collectively. The design encourages interaction with the landscape, promoting an understanding of the cyclical nature of life and memory.

Moreover, the thoughtful incorporation of natural light through the use of translucent materials enhances the spiritual dimension of the design. By allowing light to penetrate the space, the project creates a serene ambiance conducive to reflection. The architectural decisions made in this project serve not only functional purposes but also facilitate an emotional connection, inviting visitors to engage with their memories in a supportive environment.

For more insights into the "Field of Chapels," including a closer look at architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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