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Canopy Inspired By Nature Featuring Overhanging Roof For Community Gathering

Authors:
Motoki Yasuhara, Atsuo Arii, komuro tatsuaki
Canopy Inspired By Nature Featuring Overhanging Roof For Community Gathering

Project in-detail

Inspired by the form of fallen leaves, the convention center incorporates an overhanging roof that connects indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a flexible venue for community gatherings and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by fallen leaves, the roof creates a natural canopy effect.
02
Flexible auditorium halls adapt for varied event types and arrangements.
03
Integrated terrace enhances outdoor space and community interaction.
04
Design prioritizes natural light, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
05
Architectural layout encourages fluid movement between diverse areas.

The architectural design situated in Riga, Latvia, offers a convention center that connects with the region's rich cultural background. The building is intended for multiple uses and features adaptable spaces suitable for a variety of events. It draws inspiration from traditional Latvian architecture, ensuring a harmony between the new design and the area's historical buildings.

Conceptual Framework

At the core of the design is the idea of "Fallen Leaves," which represents the relationship between nature and the built environment. This concept emphasizes the structure's function as a protective space while maintaining a connection to its surroundings. The design references traditional Latvian houses, which are known for their overhanging roofs. These roofs not only provide shelter but also enhance the experience for those inside.

Spatial Organization

The layout is organized to include a range of essential spaces. Among them are an auditorium hall, small conference room, management office, exhibition space, café, waiting room, terrace, cloak area, information zone, restrooms, foyer, and parking area. This collection of spaces encourages movement and interaction, allowing the center to serve as a lively venue for various gatherings and activities.

Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

Although specific materials are not directly mentioned in the presentation texts, the design hints at the use of natural and sustainable elements that align with its themes. Timber may be used to reflect traditional construction methods, while glass might provide transparency and foster connections to the outdoor environment. Such choices are expected to support the building’s integration with both its natural and built surroundings.

The roof serves as a prominent design feature. It mimics the appearance of falling leaves and creates a covering that enhances the building's profile against the sky. This thoughtful approach invites natural light into the spaces below, enriching the interior experience and strengthening the bond between those inside and the outside world.

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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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