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Vertical Wooden Columns Integrating Light and Memory in a Forest Setting

Author:
Wendy Zhuo
Vertical Wooden Columns Integrating Light and Memory in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Vertical wooden columns rise through a serene forest, allowing natural light to permeate the spaces designed for reflection and memory, serving as a calm memorial columbarium.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical wooden columns echo surrounding tree trunks, enhancing the natural environment.
02
Natural light filters through gaps in the structure, creating shifting patterns indoors.
03
The design incorporates intimate niches for personal reflection along a long pathway.
04
It emphasizes a connection to nature, promoting peace and contemplation.
05
The arrangement encourages visitors to engage deeply with their memories.

The Columbarium - Chamber of Memories is located in a forested area, creating a peaceful setting for reflection and remembrance. The design connects with its natural surroundings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the environment while contemplating personal memories. The main concept revolves around blending the columbarium with the landscape, highlighting the relationship between architecture and nature.

Vertical Elements
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A key feature of the design is the series of vertical wooden columns. These columns echo the surrounding tree trunks, creating an experience that feels like a natural extension of the forest. They serve not only as structural supports but also enhance the overall aesthetic, helping to unify the space.

Light and Atmosphere
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Natural light is essential to the character of the columbarium. Openings between the vertical columns allow sunlight to enter, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The light shifts throughout the day, resulting in changing patterns indoors. This play of light and shadow adds depth to the environment, encouraging visitors to embrace their surroundings as they reflect.

Pathway and Niche Arrangement
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The design includes a long pathway that is lined with niches. This thoughtful arrangement invites visitors to stop, pause, and engage with each space. The placement of niches offers moments of privacy and solitude, fostering an environment where emotions can surface. As individuals walk along the pathway, they move through a series of experiences, each providing an opportunity for quiet contemplation.

The careful attention to how light, space, and nature interact makes it easy to lose oneself in thought. The design emphasizes the importance of connection with the forest, creating an atmosphere conducive to remembering and honoring loved ones. Each detail is considered to enhance the experience, culminating in a setting that feels alive with memories and meaning.

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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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