Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cantilevered Glass Facade Featuring Natural Wood Accents in a Versatile Cultural Venue

Author:
Angel Martinez Gomez
Cantilevered Glass Facade Featuring Natural Wood Accents in a Versatile Cultural Venue

Project in-detail

A dynamic cantilevered structure with a transparent glass facade and natural wood accents creates an inviting cultural hub for diverse performances and community gatherings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes a cantilevered structure that enhances the visual identity while optimizing the site footprint.
02
Acoustic performance has been a key focus, integrating customized sound-absorbing materials throughout the auditorium.
03
A public courtyard features native landscaping, promoting biodiversity and creating a natural gathering space.
04
The facade combines high-performance glass and charred wooden shingles, ensuring durability while minimizing maintenance needs.
05
Flexibility in the auditorium layout allows for versatile use, accommodating various types of performances and community gatherings.
The Kip Island Auditorium represents an intentional blend of architecture and urban culture, positioned in the vibrant city of Riga, Latvia. This project serves not only as a venue for performing arts but also as a communal gathering space, enhancing the cultural fabric of its surroundings. The design is characterized by its dynamic form, which creates a visual dialogue with the city while promoting interaction among visitors.

At the heart of the Kip Island Auditorium is its primary function as a performance space, capable of hosting a wide range of events from concerts to conferences. The auditorium features a seating capacity of around 1,000, ensuring an intimate yet expansive environment for diverse performances. Its spatial arrangement is carefully crafted, allowing for optimal acoustics and sightlines. Adjacent to this main venue are office spaces that streamline the management of events and contribute to the operational efficiency of the facility.

What sets the design apart is its integration of open areas, most notably the access courtyard. This outdoor space invites the public in, encouraging people to engage with the architecture and each other. The landscaped courtyard features greenery that acts as a counterbalance to the urban environment, providing a peaceful nook for visitors while seamlessly connecting the auditorium with the surrounding landscape.

The architectural design employs a thoughtful combination of materials that reflect both durability and aesthetic appeal. Robust concrete provides the structural backbone, while glass elements in the facade enhance transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. Steel is utilized in the cantilevered sections, reinforcing the building's innovative characteristics while expressing a modern architectural language. The use of wood in select interior finishes adds warmth, inviting users into a space that feels both modern and welcoming.

The unique approach to the design emphasizes versatility. By incorporating elements that can be adapted for various uses, the auditorium transcends its primary function and establishes its role as a cultural hub. The design considers the needs of the community, providing a space for artistic expression as well as day-to-day interactions among citizens.

In addition to its functionality, the auditorium’s visual identity plays a significant role in establishing a sense of place. The building’s angular shapes and vibrant color accents contribute to a distinctive profile that resonates with Riga’s artistic spirit. This architectural expression creates an engaging presence within the city while encouraging exploration and discovery.

Overall, the Kip Island Auditorium exemplifies a comprehensive understanding of architectural design that aligns with community values and cultural aspirations. Its thoughtful integration of public spaces, choice of materials, and flexible design strategies enhance its role as more than just a performance venue. For those interested in exploring the architectural details further, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, we encourage you to delve deeper into this exemplary project presentation to appreciate the full scope of its innovative proposals and spatial ideas.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy