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Water Feature and Stone Facade in a Reflective Memorial Space

Author:
Ana Rita Gomes
Water Feature and Stone Facade in a Reflective Memorial Space
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The integration of a calming water feature alongside a sturdy stone facade defines a reflective memorial space where personal grief and communal remembrance coexist.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lake of Memories serves as a central reflective feature within the columbarium.
02
Grief rooms provide private spaces for personal reflection, separate from communal areas.
03
The design includes a sacred space for diverse cultural practices, promoting inclusivity.
04
Exterior stone provides durability, while wood interiors create a warm atmosphere.
05
Natural landscaping integrates seamlessly with the building, enhancing the visitor experience.

The House of Eternity columbarium project is a thoughtful response to the concept of memorialization and remembrance. It is located in a serene setting, designed to serve as a space for individuals to reflect on their lost loved ones. The overall design aims to create a sanctuary that feels inviting and secure, allowing visitors to connect with their memories in a meaningful way.

Design Concept and Structure

The columbarium takes on the form of a simple, elongated house. This shape reinforces a sense of familiarity while also allowing for modern interpretations. The design creates spaces that encourage emotional safety and accessibility. Within this structure, areas are designated for both communal gatherings and personal reflection, ensuring that a range of experiences can be accommodated.

Central Space for Reflection

At the core of the columbarium is a dedicated area intended for prayer and ceremonies. This room is designed to accommodate various cultural practices, promoting inclusivity and allowing people from different backgrounds to engage with the space. It serves as a sacred gathering point where mourning and celebration can coexist.

Grief Rooms and Personal Reflection

Smaller grief rooms are integrated into the design, providing private spaces for visitors to process their emotions in solitude. This layout enhances the experience by separating quiet moments of personal reflection from larger communal interactions. The thoughtful arrangement balances the need for shared remembrance with the necessity of individual contemplation.

Water Element and Landscape Integration

An important aspect of the design is the "Lake of Memories," an interior water feature that invites quiet thinking. It adds to the calming atmosphere while also symbolizing the memories carried within the space. Surrounding the columbarium, natural elements such as trees and benches create an inviting landscape. This connection to nature encourages visitors to take a moment and reflect, contributing to the overall experience.

The building's facade is finished with stone, providing a sense of permanence and strength. Inside, wooden elements create a warm and calming environment. The contrast between these materials enhances the emotional quality of the space, making it a place for both remembrance and healing.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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