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Zinc Aluminium Urn Surrounded by Lush Greenery for Contemplative Reflection

Authors:
Luca Misosniky, Vlad Buhu, Eliza-iris Voiculescu, Alexandru Mihalescu
Zinc Aluminium Urn Surrounded by Lush Greenery for Contemplative Reflection
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With a central zinc aluminium urn surrounded by diverse plant life, the design serves as a serene space for contemplation and remembrance, emphasizing the connection between life and death.
5 key facts about this project
01
central urn symbolizes the intersection of life and death features a curated selection of flora representing renewal designed pathways enhance visitor engagement and reflection incorporates durable zinc aluminium for long-lasting appeal surrounds visitors with a tranquil atmosphere for contemplation.

The Veiled Garden is designed as a place for reflection on the connections between life, death, and nature. Located in a serene environment, it functions as a space for remembrance and contemplation. The overall concept brings attention to the relationship between the living and the departed, allowing visitors to engage with their thoughts and feelings about mortality.

Conceptual Framework

At the center of the garden lies an urn, representing the link between two realms. This important feature acts as a focal point for visitors to pause and think. The design invites a quiet experience, where interactions with the urn encourage reflections on life's fleeting moments and the lasting impact of memories.

Plant Selection

The choice of plants in the garden supports themes of life and renewal. Species such as Chrysanthemum 'Overture' and Achillea millefolium are included for their symbolic meanings. This selection creates a rich tapestry of color and texture, enhancing the garden's beauty while reinforcing the natural cycles of life and death. Each plant contributes to a sense of growth and continuity.

Material Considerations

The structure relies on various materials to ensure stability and support. These include metal connectors and horizontal steel rebar, which provide strength while maintaining a simple appearance. Further elements, like reinforced concrete columns and compacted gravel, help shape the garden’s function, creating a space that works well within its natural surroundings.

Spatial Layout

The design of the garden allows for easy movement and engagement. Pathways guide visitors through the area, leading to seating spots that foster personal reflection. The arrangement of these elements creates a calm atmosphere, encouraging people to connect with nature and their thoughts. careful placement of features enhances the experience, making it a suitable place for those seeking peace.

Light plays an important role in the experience of the garden. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting shifting shadows on the urn. This natural dance of light reflects the passage of time, offering a reminder of the cycles of life.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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