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Womb-Shaped Space Crafted From White Ceramic and Grey Marble for Reflection and Remembrance

Authors:
Cheong Nai cheong, Subashini Ganandran
Womb-Shaped Space Crafted From White Ceramic and Grey Marble for Reflection and Remembrance

Project in-detail

A womb-shaped structure constructed from white ceramic and grey marble creates a serene environment for reflection and remembrance within a modern columbarium.
5 key facts about this project
01
womb-shaped form symbolizes life and creation historical references to burial mounds enhance cultural significance integration of perennial flowers promotes a living memorial use of white polished ceramic adds a modern aesthetic grey marble elements create a tranquil, reflective atmosphere.

The Chamber of Memories provides a space that thoughtfully addresses the themes of life and death. Located in a peaceful environment, it serves as a memorial columbarium designed to honor the memories of those who have passed. The design concept focuses on the connections between the human soul and body, linking them to figures like Mother Mary and Jesus. This connection fosters an atmosphere that encourages reflection and remembrance.

Symbolism of Form

Central to the design is the shape of a womb, representing the beginning of life. This form is essential to the columbarium, highlighting the caring aspects of memory and the continuous cycle of existence. It creates a protective space for visitors, aiming to provide comfort and support during moments of remembrance.

Historical Context

The layout of the site reflects a mindful engagement with historical burial practices. It draws inspiration from notable structures such as the Neolithic Burial Mound at Newgrange in Ireland and the Kurgan near Kerch, Russia. These references enrich the design by connecting it to traditional customs. By incorporating these elements, the Chamber of Memories creates a link between past rituals and present expressions of grief, making the visitor experience more meaningful.

Natural Integration

Including perennial flowers, lilies, and phloxes further connects the space to nature. These plants symbolize life and continuity, adding an inviting aspect to the memorial. This natural element brings a sense of growth and renewal, contrasting with the permanence of the columbarium.

Material Selection

The choice of materials plays an important role in shaping the environment. The project uses white polished ceramic for interior features, white concrete for the walls, and grey marble. Together, these materials create a calm setting that supports contemplation. This careful selection enhances the aim of the design: to honor memory through thoughtful details.

An elaborate detailing at the entryway invites visitors in. The smooth transition between materials helps guide them into the heart of the space, encouraging engagement with the thoughtful nature of the design.

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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

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