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Aluminum Shading Frames and Wood Structures for Community Engagement

Authors:
Mohammadsadegh Zanganehfar, Nima Shahmohammadi
Aluminum Shading Frames and Wood Structures for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

With a focus on community engagement, the use of aluminum shading frames and wood structures merges functionality and environmental consciousness in a space designed for artistic collaboration and cultural education.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum integrates large glass openings to enhance natural light and foster indoor-outdoor connections.
02
The design features aluminum shading frames that manage solar exposure effectively.
03
Cross-laminated timber construction is used to create structural resilience while maintaining a warm aesthetic.
04
Artistic workshops are included to support local artists and facilitate community engagement.
05
The footprint is intentionally low-height to preserve the surrounding natural landscape.

The Omuli Museum of the Horse is located in Latvia, connecting visitors with the country’s cultural heritage and natural environment. Serving as both a museum and a space for artists, the design reflects Latvia’s history through sharp lines and distinct forms. The museum aims to foster creativity and community engagement while promoting a deeper understanding of equine culture.

Design Framework

The development consists of three phases, each with specific functions yet interconnected in purpose. Phase One introduces an artist resort and workshop unit tailored for artists. This area provides flexible creative spaces that encourage collaboration, making it a supportive environment for artistic work and expression.

Renovation Considerations

Phase Two focuses on renovating the existing building. Structural concerns are addressed to ensure the building’s durability. Steel beams enhance the building's stability, while aluminum shading frames help manage sunlight. These choices support an effective internal climate while preserving the original design’s character.

Community-focused Spaces

Phase Three expands the facility by adding resort units alongside common areas. These spaces encourage visitors to interact and engage with one another, promoting a sense of community. The decision to maintain a low-height profile helps the building blend naturally with the landscape, reducing its visual impact and emphasizing its connection to the surrounding environment.

Transparency and Interaction

A key feature of the museum is its focus on transparency, achieved through large openings that invite in natural light. This design creates a flow between indoor and outdoor areas. As visitors move through the space, they experience a strong connection to the landscape outside. The design captures the essence of the environment, allowing nature to become part of the overall experience.

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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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