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Vertical Niches and Pruned Hedges Create Intimate Space in White Marble Columbarium

Author:
Johan Siim
Vertical Niches and Pruned Hedges Create Intimate Space in White Marble Columbarium

Project in-detail

Honed white marble niches arranged vertically among pruned hedges create an intimate setting for reflection and remembrance in a thoughtfully designed columbarium.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical niches enhance privacy and intimacy for personal memorials.
02
Honed white marble provides a reflective, tranquil surface for the structure.
03
Pruned hedges create a natural boundary while allowing open sightlines.
04
The layout encourages exploration and movement through open pathways.
05
Follies serve multiple functions, acting as seating and landscape features.

The columbarium design is set in a peaceful landscape, serving as a space for reflection and remembrance. The idea behind it is to create a "white city" composed of various follies, which together foster a calm atmosphere. The project balances the need for privacy with open areas that invite contemplation, making it a special place for grieving.

Concept and Design Intent

The central aim of the columbarium is to provide privacy through an innovative vertical arrangement of graves. This design allows for distinct niches that hold urns, flowers, and candles, forming individual memorial spaces. Each niche is part of a larger network of follies, which enhances the peaceful nature of the environment. The layout encourages visitors to connect with their memories in a personal way.

Landscaping and Interaction

Landscaping is a key feature that enhances the overall experience of the columbarium. Surrounding pruned hedges create a natural boundary that offers protection while allowing views of the white marble follies. This design invites people to wander and explore the area. The interplay between the architecture and the landscape creates an engaging environment that encourages reflection.

Materiality and Structure

Carefully chosen materials support the columbarium's purpose. The exterior of the niches is fitted with honed white marble tiles, providing a dignified appearance that captures light. Pre-fabricated concrete is used for structural elements, ensuring that the building is strong and durable. This choice of materials helps to create a lasting tribute.

The unique shapes of the follies define the pathways throughout the columbarium. Visitors can ascend the stairs of the follies for sweeping views, allowing them to see how the architectural elements blend with the surrounding greenery. This thoughtful design enhances the atmosphere, making the space an inviting place for personal moments of 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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