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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Enriching Community Interaction in Sustainable Cultural Spaces

Authors:
Pierre-yves Fondecave, Carlo Donvito
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Enriching Community Interaction in Sustainable Cultural Spaces

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the museum creates an immersive environment that fosters community engagement and appreciation of equestrian culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and visual connections with the landscape.
04
Includes a central courtyard that fosters community interactions and serves as an event space.
05
Integrates smart rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
The Omuli Horse Museum, located within the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve, is an architectural project dedicated to the celebration of equestrian culture. Designed to serve multiple functions, the museum functions as a space for exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement while offering a serene environment for both visitors and artists. This project highlights the relationship between built environments and natural surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and cultural appreciation.

The architectural design incorporates various structural and aesthetic elements that distinguish it from conventional museum spaces. The primary materials used in the construction include wood, steel, concrete, and glass. Wood, employed for both structural and finish elements, provides warmth and tactile qualities. Steel offers necessary structural support, particularly to the expansive glass façades that create visual connectivity with the landscape. Concrete elements contribute to the durability and function of internal spaces, while glass enhances natural lighting and invites the outside in.

The museum's facade features a dynamic interplay of solid and transparent materials. Slatted wood panels, reminiscent of horse manes and tails, evoke movement and add a unique aesthetic layer. This façade design not only reinforces the thematic focus of the museum but also allows for airflow and light penetration, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and ventilation systems.

Spatially, the museum is divided into distinct sections that cater to different functions. The ground floor accommodates the main exhibition spaces and workshops, promoting interaction between artists and visitors. An upper floor provides residential quarters for artists, ensuring they have direct access to their creative environments. The incorporation of a central courtyard creates a communal area that fosters social interaction while providing a peaceful retreat amid the natural landscape.

In terms of unique design approaches, the emphasis on sustainability is notable. The museum employs energy-efficient systems, such as rainwater harvesting and passive heating strategies, to minimize its ecological footprint. This aspect of the design aligns with a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing both user experience and operational efficiency.

The Omuli Horse Museum represents a blend of cultural heritage and modern architectural principles, showcasing how a museum can function as an engaging platform for artistic expression and community involvement. The project encapsulates significant architectural ideas that encourage interaction, sustainability, and a connection to nature.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Delving into the architectural designs and ideas will provide a comprehensive understanding of this unique addition to Latvia's cultural landscape.
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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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