Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Façade Creating a Cultural Hub for Artistic Expression in Latvia

Authors:
Rudy Schlager, Pablo Zuniga
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Façade Creating a Cultural Hub for Artistic Expression in Latvia

Project in-detail

With a brick façade complemented by charred wooden shingles, the cultural center emerges as a transformative space designed to nurture artistic collaboration and community engagement in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing both durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural elements, promoting sustainable building practices.
03
Large windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light, fostering a creative atmosphere.
04
The facility features dedicated artist living spaces that integrate seamlessly with work areas.
05
A traditional sauna is included to honor local cultural practices and offer wellness amenities.
The Omuli House of Art is an architectural project that thoughtfully revitalizes an existing structure in Latvia to serve as a cultural hub. This facility is designed to accommodate various functions, including a museum, guesthouse, coffee shop, and a dedicated space for artists to work and reside. The project represents a commitment to fostering creativity while preserving the character of a historical asset. It reflects a vision that values artistic collaboration and seeks to provide a vibrant environment where local culture and the arts can flourish.

The primary function of the Omuli House of Art is to create a welcoming atmosphere for artists and the community. By integrating essential elements such as workshops, living spaces, and areas for public engagement, the design facilitates diverse artistic practices. The project notably consists of three development phases, emphasizing both function and interaction. The initial phase focuses on renovations to create workshops and essential services, underscoring the need for artists to have immediate access to tools and spaces tailored for creativity.

As the project progresses, more significant additions appear, including artist living quarters that provide accommodations directly linked to the creative process. There is also a dedicated area for the kitchen, storage, and ground maintenance, which highlights the attention to the logistical needs of the artists and the seamless operation of the facility. The final phase envisions community-centric spaces such as a museum, coffee shop, and an outdoor deck, enriching the overall experience for visitors and artists alike. This holistic approach emphasizes user interaction, ensuring that the building serves as a lively center for cultural exchange.

The unique design of the Omuli House of Art is rooted in its material selection and spatial organization. Materials such as brick, concrete, steel, and wood have been chosen not only for their structural properties but also for their resonance with the local architectural vernacular. The use of brick nods to traditional construction methods in Latvia, while concrete and steel are employed to enhance the building's durability and functionality. Wood, prominently used in interior finishes, fosters a warm and inviting environment that can inspire creativity among artists.

Furthermore, the architectural design emphasizes large windows and open spaces that maximize natural light and cultivate a connection to the surrounding landscape. The integration of outdoor spaces and gardens allows for a natural transition between the indoors and outdoors, promoting a sense of tranquility and encouraging community engagement in artistic processes. The presence of vegetable plots and orchards further emphasizes sustainability and reflects a commitment to local ecology, integrating natural elements within the artistic framework.

One of the project's standout features is its careful balance between contemporary interventions and traditional practices. The inclusion of a traditional sauna pays homage to Latvia's cultural heritage while providing wellness opportunities for visitors. This thoughtful integration shows an understanding of the local context and a desire to create a space that genuinely resonates with its users.

The Omuli House of Art is more than just a renovation; it is a testament to the potential of architecture to foster creativity and promote community interaction. By creating a carefully considered environment that prioritizes artistic expression and cultural preservation, this project stands as a multifaceted model for future endeavors. It invites observation and interaction, encouraging the community to engage with art in all its forms.

For those interested in understanding the nuances of this architectural endeavor, exploring the full project presentation will provide insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped this cultural landmark. This examination of the Omuli House of Art reveals the thoughtful considerations behind its development and offers a deeper appreciation for its role in the Latvian cultural landscape.
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