Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Multifunctional Community Hub

Authors:
John Myefski, Josh Sacks, Matt Carlton, Morten Kristensen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Multifunctional Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates an adaptable community hub that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while facilitating diverse public interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural strength and sustainability.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize interior space and light.
04
Includes green roofs for biodiversity and natural insulation.
05
Design fosters community interaction through adaptable public gathering areas.
The Exhibition Center in Kipsala, Riga, is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that emphasizes the integration of public space with the surrounding natural environment. This project aims to create a multifunctional venue that hosts exhibitions, events, and community gatherings while enhancing the urban fabric of Kipsala. It serves as a cultural hub where visitors can engage with both the built environment and the scenic Daugava River.

The architectural design features a range of spaces including exhibition halls, meeting rooms, and amenities designed for public use. The primary focus is on fostering community interaction, which is supported through open public plazas and gathering areas. These elements are strategically positioned to maximize accessibility and encourage various activities, facilitating engagement among diverse users.

Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a carefully selected material palette that includes recycled and sustainably harvested wood, concrete, and glass. The use of wood enhances the warm aesthetic of the exhibition center while promoting sustainable building practices. Concrete is employed for structural purposes, ensuring durability and resilience. The extensive use of glass across the facades allows for ample natural light, enhancing the spatial experience and creating connections between indoor and outdoor environments.

A notable feature is the incorporation of green roofs, which not only provide aesthetic value but also contribute to the ecological sustainability of the project. These roofs promote biodiversity and help regulate building temperatures, aligning with contemporary sustainable architecture principles.

Innovative Spatial Organization
The design approach focuses on the innovative arrangement of both public and private spaces. A central plaza acts as a focal point for community gatherings, serving as a multifunctional space for events and activities. Surrounding this plaza are designated exhibition areas, conference rooms, and flexible spaces that can be adapted for various uses. This organization promotes fluid movement and interaction among visitors while making efficient use of available space.

Verticality is another key design strategy, with the exhibition center featuring an upward expansion that draws visitors through multiple levels. This not only enhances the experience of traversing the building but also allows for panoramic views of the river and cityscape. The sculptural qualities of the rooflines and facades contribute to a dynamic architectural narrative, distinguishing this project from typical event venues.

The Exhibition Center in Kipsala exemplifies a modern architectural endeavor that prioritizes community, sustainability, and aesthetic coherence. The integration of innovative design approaches ensures a unique contribution to the urban environment while meeting functional needs. For further insights into the architectural ideas behind this project, including detailed architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the complete presentation of the project.
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 16,979 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