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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Creating a Cultural Hub in a Vibrant Community Environment

Author:
Callum Muir
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Creating a Cultural Hub in a Vibrant Community Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design fosters a dynamic cultural hub that integrates creative studios, public performance spaces, and community engagement in a collaborative environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and light.
04
Establishes flexible creative studios to foster collaboration among artists.
05
Includes a central public square designed for community events and performances.

## Overview

Located in Cesais, Latvia, the Cesais Creative Park is designed as a multi-functional hub that serves artists, musicians, and the local community. This project integrates creative, residential, and commercial spaces within an urban context, focusing on the interaction between public and private areas while considering materiality and user experience.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout of the park is organized into distinct zones that promote community engagement and interconnectivity. Public spaces, including an open square for performances and markets, serve as vibrant gathering points. Creative zones feature facilities such as recording studios and co-working spaces, fostering collaboration among artists. Residential components provide affordable housing options for individuals in the creative sector, ensuring proximity to their workspaces and enhancing community ties. The design also emphasizes thoughtful site access, facilitating movement from surrounding neighborhoods to the park's various offerings.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural design employs a diverse range of materials, including concrete for durability, glass for natural light, steel for structural innovation, and wood to create a warm interior atmosphere. Landscaping features both soft and hard elements, integrating green spaces, seating areas, and performance venues that encourage community interaction. Sustainable practices are prioritized throughout the project, emphasizing climate responsiveness and environmentally conscious material selection. This focus on sustainability supports not only the immediate needs of the community but also the long-term vitality of the surrounding ecosystem.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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