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Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facades Create a Harmonious Hub for Creative Collaboration

Authors:
jiun Her, ri Ryu
Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facades Create a Harmonious Hub for Creative Collaboration

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a transparent facade, creating a visually striking yet acoustically refined environment that fosters collaboration and creativity within a multifunctional community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and visual texture.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes acoustics for musical endeavors.
04
Includes a network of pedestrian paths that encourage community interaction and exploration.
05
Emphasizes transparent facades to create a strong connection between indoor and outdoor environments.

### Architectural Design Report: Temperament of Creative Blocks

#### Project Overview

Located in Cesis, Latvia, the "Temperament of Creative Blocks" development focuses on enhancing community interaction and creativity through architectural design. The project aims to convert a previously closed passage into a vibrant hub, fostering collaboration among various artistic and cultural practices while integrating elements of the natural landscape with the urban environment.

#### Spatial Strategy

The design features an innovative pedestrian network that articulates the spatial hierarchy and facilitates intuitive navigation throughout the site. New pathways will connect the diverse functionalities of the hub—including exhibition spaces, studios, and communal areas—while promoting engagement with the surrounding urban fabric. Enhanced entrances will improve accessibility, and designated parking areas will ensure user convenience and safety. The design emphasizes a fluid relationship between the project and its context, fostering a continuous dialogue with the rhythm of the city.

#### Materiality and Form

A carefully selected palette of materials underlines the project's conceptual framework. Brick, chosen for its warmth and historical resonance, provides a structural and aesthetic foundation. Concrete is utilized to offer durability and a modern touch, while extensive use of glass enhances transparency and natural light, promoting a welcoming environment. Wood extends the connection to nature, especially within pedestrian walkways and interior spaces.

Architecturally, the development comprises flexible open spaces suitable for exhibitions and diverse community interactions, along with dedicated private studios for artistic creation. Shared areas equipped with digital technologies foster collaborative efforts, ensuring the hub adapts to a variety of user needs. The design integrates interdisciplinary principles from music, visual arts, and urban planning, contributing to a multilayered visitor experience and reinforcing Cesis’ cultural relevance. Sustainable practices are woven throughout, utilizing eco-friendly materials and efficient systems to minimize environmental impact.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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