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Cantilevered Glazing Merging Wood and Stone In A Community Conference Center

Authors:
Jared Winchester, Farrokh Rostami Kia, Cory Greenfield
Cantilevered Glazing Merging Wood and Stone In A Community Conference Center

Project in-detail

A cantilevered roof of glazing extends over natural stone pathways and charred wood facades, creating a harmonious balance with the surrounding landscape while providing a multifunctional space for community gatherings and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
A cantilevered roof design enhances natural light penetration and outdoor connectivity.
02
Charred wood cladding minimizes maintenance while providing a visually appealing texture.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Landscape integration features granite pathways that echo local geological formations.
05
Flexible interior spaces allow for adaptable configurations to accommodate various events.

The Hill and Forest Conference Center is an architectural project located in Kipsala, Riga, Latvia. This conference center is designed to serve as a multifunctional space that facilitates cultural exchange and community engagement. It embodies the relationship between architecture and its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the local landscape of hills and forests. The project aims to provide a venue for conferences, exhibitions, and various events while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.

Design Intent and Functionality

The central design intent focuses on blending the building with its environment. The diverse spaces within the conference center are shaped to accommodate different functions, including a large auditorium for presentations, breakout spaces for meetings, and multifunctional areas for workshops and social gatherings. The architectural layout encourages interaction and adaptability, allowing for various configurations depending on the event demands.

The use of extensive glazing provides natural light and unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the user experience. Exterior spaces are integrated within the architecture to encourage outdoor activities and social interactions. This thoughtful approach to design establishes a seamless transition between the interior and exterior, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainability and harmony with nature.

Site Integration and Materiality

An important aspect of the Hill and Forest Conference Center is its integration with the site’s topography. The building features an undulating roof that reflects the rolling hills, designed to create a cohesive visual relationship with the landscape. The architectural materials are carefully selected to promote sustainability and durability. Key materials include glazing systems that enhance natural light, wood that provides warmth and aligns with the forest theme, and concrete for structural stability.

Landscaping materials, such as granite and local stone, are used for pathways and exterior treatments, ensuring the built environment aligns with its natural context. The implementation of green roof systems not only improves insulation but also supports local ecosystems.

Innovative Design Approaches

This project stands out due to its innovative approach to user experience and environmental impact. The design prioritizes flexibility, allowing spaces to be reconfigured based on need. The incorporation of vertical elements, reminiscent of tree trunks, serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the visual narrative of the building. The prominence of open spaces promotes social engagement and community involvement while inviting nature into daily activities.

Sustainable practices are a cornerstone of the design philosophy, aiding in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The conference center is designed with an awareness of its ecological footprint, ensuring that it meets both current and future needs of the community and its visitors.

For further understanding of the project’s architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into the unique architectural ideas that define the Hill and Forest Conference Center.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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