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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Ensure Seamless Integration with Natural Landscape in Sustainable Museum Design

Authors:
Sitong Chen, Yuqian Yao, Xuanyin Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Ensure Seamless Integration with Natural Landscape in Sustainable Museum Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design harmonizes with its surroundings, creating a cultural hub dedicated to equine heritage and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and an aesthetic connection to traditional building methods.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity while maintaining sustainability targets.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances the spatial experience and maximizes natural light infiltration.
04
Integrates local stone into pathways, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding landscape and culture.
05
Includes versatile exhibition spaces adaptable for various community activities and educational programs.
The Omuli Museum of the Horse represents a contemporary architectural response to cultural heritage and the relationship between humans and horses. This project is situated in a landscape that fosters a deep connection with nature and equine tradition. The museum serves as both an educational and exhibition space, aiming to impart knowledge regarding the historical significance of horses in various cultures while providing a venue for community engagement.

Architecturally, the museum integrates modern design principles with a focus on functionality and sustainability. The structure incorporates natural light through expansive glass facades, which facilitate a seamless interaction between the interior and the surrounding environment. The material palette, which includes concrete, wood, glass, and stone, is chosen for its durability and its ability to reflect the ecological context of the site.

Unique Design Approaches in Materiality and Contextual Integration

A distinctive feature of the Omuli Museum of the Horse is its thoughtful use of materials alongside an innovative spatial arrangement. Concrete is utilized in structural elements, ensuring longevity while presenting an industrial aesthetic. The use of wood throughout the interior spaces injects warmth and tactility, inviting visitors into a comfortable environment. Extensive glass applications not only promote transparency but also work to create a sense of connection with the external landscape.

The design acknowledges its contextual setting by utilizing local stone for pathways and outdoor spaces, ensuring that the project is harmoniously integrated with its geographical surroundings. The careful orientation of the building allows for maximum natural light exposure while enhancing energy efficiency. Sustainability measures, such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems, reflect a commitment to ecological responsibility embedded within the architectural framework.

Flexible Exhibition Spaces and Community Engagement

The layout of the Omuli Museum promotes a dynamic visitor experience through its carefully planned exhibition areas. The first floor features a welcoming reception, diverse galleries, and vital visitor services, creating an initial point of engagement. Moving upwards, the second floor expands the exhibition space, giving visitors bird’s-eye views of the surrounding landscape and fostering an awareness of natural context. The third floor is designed for flexibility, accommodating a range of uses from exhibitions to community events.

Vertical circulation is strategically placed to encourage exploration and facilitate movement, while ensuring that sightlines between various levels maintain a coherent connection with the overarching narrative of the museum. This design promotes not only engagement with the exhibits but also with the space as a whole, further enriching the visitor experience.

The Omuli Museum of the Horse stands as a model of modern architecture that effectively marries cultural storytelling with sustainable design practices. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the project's architectural intentions, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable insights into its innovative approach.
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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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