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Translucent Panels and Contemplative Spaces at Historic Chapel Site

Authors:
Xuexin Zhan, Xinyang Chen
Translucent Panels and Contemplative Spaces at Historic Chapel Site

Project in-detail

Using translucent panels to create contemplative spaces, this memorial at the historic Chapel site engages visitors with the somber narratives of witch trials while offering an educational experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent panels create dynamic light conditions throughout the day.
02
The design emphasizes a journey through historical narratives of persecution.
03
Integrated into the ruins of the Chapel at Keith Marischal, it honors historical significance.
04
The layout fosters contemplation and emotional engagement with the subject matter.
05
A bent A-frame structure enhances visual connections to the surrounding landscape.

The historical narrative of witch trials, particularly the stories of Agnes Sampson and Jeanne d'Arc, is at the heart of the design. Located at the ruins of the Chapel at Keith Marischal, the space serves as a memorial and an educational facility. The overall concept focuses on themes of persecution and societal judgment, aiming to engage visitors with the weight of history and encourage reflection on these injustices.

Conceptual Framework

The design framework captures the duality of reverence and victimization embodied in the lives of both women. The layout is carefully arranged to guide visitors on a journey that reflects their transition from dignity to persecution. This organization invites meaningful engagement with the complex emotional narratives without resorting to dramatization.

Spatial Dynamics

Light and shadow play significant roles within the design, creating an inviting atmosphere that enriches the visitor experience. The interaction of these elements encourages contemplation and deeper involvement with the exhibition's themes. As visitors move through the space, they can reflect on the lasting consequences of societal stigmatization.

Geographical Context

The project acknowledges its historical site at the ruins of the Chapel at Keith Marischal. This location enhances the significance of the memorial and integrates the design into the landscape. The architecture aligns with its surroundings, allowing the site's history to inform and shape the visitor experience.

Design Detail

The careful arrangement of space and light effectively communicates the narratives of Agnes Sampson and Jeanne d'Arc. A noteworthy feature is the use of translucent panels that allow natural light to enter, creating a dynamic environment that shifts throughout the day. This element embodies the evolving nature of memory and serves as a poignant reminder of the historical context.

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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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