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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Transforming a Cultural Hub into a Community Learning Space

Authors:
Julia Kochańska, Marcelina Terelak, Weronika Lis, Aleksandra Wasilenko
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Transforming a Cultural Hub into a Community Learning Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels redefine the structure of a former primary school, creating a cultural hub that fosters community learning and artisan workshops in northern Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial volume.
04
Integrates natural clay for pottery workshops, promoting local craftsmanship.
05
Located within a biodiversity reserve, fostering a connection to the environment.
The architectural project "Misterium" is situated in a biodiversity-rich area of northern Latvia, focused on revitalizing the historical Omuli primary school. This initiative aims to transform the abandoned structure into a vibrant cultural hub, incorporating a museum and studio spaces. The design seeks to foster community engagement while honoring the historical and cultural context of the region.

The project merges contemporary architectural practices with traditional Latvian elements. The mission is to create a functionally diverse space that encourages artistic expression, educational opportunities, and workshops that resonate with local culture. Architecturally, the design emphasizes the preservation of the original school structure while integrating new facilities that complement the existing environment.

Innovative Design Approaches

A unique aspect of the Misterium project is its holistic approach to community building and cultural preservation. The layout strategically redistributes the existing structures and introduces new ones to create a cohesive campus that fosters interaction among users. The design promotes a flow between spaces that encourages collaboration among artists, workshop participants, and visitors.

Sustainable material selection plays a crucial role in the design. The project utilizes local materials such as wood, straw, clay, and stone, emphasizing sustainable building practices while maintaining a strong connection to the regional vernacular. The use of natural materials supports not only environmental sustainability but also reinforces local craftsmanship, creating an authentic atmosphere within the educational and community-oriented spaces.

Details of the project's architectural components also contribute to its distinctiveness. The central square serves as a communal gathering area, facilitating social interactions and events. This design promotes a sense of belonging, as it creates a space for people to come together and engage in various activities related to Latvian traditions and craftsmanship.

Architectural Integration with Landscape

Misterium is designed with an emphasis on integrating built structures with their surrounding landscape. Pathways connecting different facilities weave through the greenery, enhancing the overall experience of the site and ensuring that the natural contours and features of the area are preserved. The inclusion of therapeutic elements, such as stables and herbal saunas, further underlines the project's focus on well-being and community engagement.

The architectural plans outline a space that is both functional and reflective of local customs, ensuring that the project retains its cultural significance. The emphasis on workshops for traditional crafts, alongside performance areas, exemplifies the intention to educate future generations about Latvian heritage.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Misterium project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that detail its innovative approach to cultural preservation and community interaction. These elements provide deeper insights into the architectural strategies employed and the thought processes that underpin this transformative initiative.
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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
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