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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Accents Transforming a Historical School Into a Dynamic Community Museum

Authors:
Cristian Ferrera, Jose maria Arriola, Kevin Varszegi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Wood Accents Transforming a Historical School Into a Dynamic Community Museum

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced timber, the design masterfully revitalizes a historical school building into a vibrant museum space that nurtures art, education, and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates local flora into the landscaping, promoting biodiversity and community connection.
05
Retains elements of the original school structure, preserving historical significance while adapting to contemporary use.
The Omul Museum represents a thoughtful reinterpretation of architectural heritage and community engagement in Latvia. Centered around the existing structure of the Omul primary school, built between 1936 and 1975, this project embodies a commitment to preserving the past while fostering a vibrant space for artistic expression and education. The design focuses on creating a multifunctional environment that caters to a wide range of users, including students, artists, and the local community, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub.

The museum's primary function is to facilitate interaction between art, education, and community activities. It aims to provide a platform for exhibitions, workshops, and events, all while honoring the historical essence of the original school building. The architectural design emphasizes permeability, enabling users to navigate the space effortlessly, fostering connections among different activities and promoting a sense of inclusivity. This fluid spatial arrangement encourages visitors to engage actively with both the artworks on display and with each other.

The architectural layout is carefully structured across two floors. The ground level features a spacious entry lobby that leads directly into an expansive exhibition area. The design incorporates smaller workshop studios surrounding a central communal space, which acts as a connective hub for various activities. This approach creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages collaboration and interaction, essential for a contemporary cultural space. On the second floor, the focus shifts towards educational functions and artist studios, designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate diverse programming needs.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the architectural design of the Omul Museum. The project predominantly employs locally sourced wood, which is utilized for structural elements, flooring, and furnishings, creating a warm and welcoming environment. White plaster is used extensively for the facades, providing visual coherence and enhancing the building's overall brightness. Large glass panels are strategically incorporated throughout the design, ensuring transparency and facilitating a connection between the interior spaces and the external landscape.

The Omul Museum also pays special attention to its surroundings, incorporating landscaping that features native vegetation. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the site but also encourages biodiversity. Artistic elements woven into the landscape, such as a significant horse sculpture, resonate with the cultural narratives of the locality, further tying the project to its context.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the evolution of the museum, which unfolds in three distinct phases. The first phase emphasizes structural reinforcement and basic spatial organization, laying the groundwork for essential services and spatial configurations. The second phase builds on this foundation, introducing more communal areas and enhancing visibility through glass partitions that create inviting pathways for visitors. The final phase culminates in complete spatial integration, featuring flexible spaces that adapt to various events and educational programs.

By adopting a phased development strategy, the Omul Museum ensures that it remains adaptable to the changing needs of the community it serves while honoring its historical roots. The architecture respects the building's past and translates that respect into a modern context, making it accessible to contemporary audiences.

The Omul Museum is more than a mere repository of art; it stands as a symbol of cultural continuity and community engagement. It fosters an environment where learning, creativity, and social interaction thrive. For those interested in understanding the project's design further, exploring architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs will provide deeper insights into the thoughtful considerations embedded in this architectural endeavor. Engaging with these elements can illuminate how the Omul Museum successfully merges heritage with contemporary architectural practices, creating a space that is both functional and reflective of its historical significance.
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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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