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Wooden Pathway Ascending From Earth Beneath A Reflection Pool

Authors:
Noah Ryzewicz, Jack Dalgleish-Morel, John Yoon, Connor Scoffield
Wooden Pathway Ascending From Earth Beneath A Reflection Pool

Project in-detail

A pathway made of wooden members guides visitors from a secluded reflection pool beneath the earth to a symbol of life above, creating a unique space for contemplation and connection in a columbarium.
5 key facts about this project
01
A reflection pool is positioned at the lowest depth, encouraging personal contemplation.
02
The wooden pathway symbolizes the ascent from the earth to a universal symbol of life.
03
Niche excavations create direct connections to the afterlife throughout the columbarium.
04
Structural wooden columns enhance the integration of the building with its natural surroundings.
05
A helical ramp facilitates movement while guiding visitors toward a central gathering space.

The columbarium presents a space that reflects on life and mortality through thoughtful architectural design. Set within a natural landscape, it leads users on a journey that begins with a descent into the earth. The overall concept revolves around creating a connection to themes of the afterlife, guiding visitors through a carefully arranged sequence of spaces that encourages contemplation and reflection.

Conceptual Framework

The design symbolizes the transition between life and death. Visitors enter and descend to a reflection pool located at the lowest point. This pool acts as a focal point for personal and spiritual contemplation, inviting travelers to pause and engage deeply with their thoughts. The surrounding environment enhances this contemplative experience, making the space feel both intimate and profound.

Spatial Organization

As visitors ascend from the depths, they follow a path made from wooden members. This upward journey signifies a rise from the earth, culminating at a tree, which represents growth and vitality. The path serves both a functional role and enhances the narrative of life and decay throughout the experience, connecting users more closely to the themes of the design.

Connection to Nature

Essential elements within the context plan include structural wooden columns that provide support while integrating the architectural form with the natural setting. Niche excavations add depth to the design, allowing for meaningful connections to the afterlife. A viewing platform is also included, promoting interaction with the landscape and encouraging visitors to reflect on their place within it.

Circulation and Interaction

Circulation paths are intentionally designed around water, which acts as a point for reflection. A helical ramp guides users upward, leading them toward the representation of life at the top of the structure. Various elevations highlight how the interior relates to the exterior, and the ground floor plan showcases thoughtfully arranged spaces that invite user engagement with the project’s themes.

The reflection pool, situated at the lowest level, provides a calm area for contemplation, framing the journey of existence within a peaceful and natural environment.

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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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