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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Brick Create a Community Center Embracing Nature

Author:
Kasa/ Kovaleva and sato architects
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Brick Create a Community Center Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a robust brick structure, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape to create a community-focused museum dedicated to the appreciation of equine culture and environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum features charred wooden shingles that enhance fire resistance while creating a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels used in the structure provide exceptional strength and sustainability benefits.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and views, seamlessly connecting the interior with the landscape.
04
Interactive outdoor exhibition spaces incorporate sculptures and installations amidst native flora, promoting environmental education.
05
Artist residences are integrated into the design, fostering a collaborative environment for creatives engaged with the community.
The Horse Garden Museum in Omuli serves as a compelling example of contemporary architecture that seamlessly integrates with its natural context. This project is designed not just as a space for artistic expression, but also as an educational facility that celebrates the bond between humans and horses while fostering an appreciation for the surrounding environment. The architectural approach is rooted in sustainability and reflects a deep respect for the landscape, making it a unique addition to the region of Omuli, Latvia.

In terms of spatial organization, the museum complex is thoughtfully planned to enhance user experience and promote interaction with both the exhibits and the outdoors. Key features of the design include workshop areas, exhibition halls, and accommodations for artists, all strategically situated to optimize views of the picturesque landscape that envelops the site. The layout encourages community involvement, ensuring that the museum is not solely a place of passive viewing but a hub of activity.

The architectural style of the Horse Garden Museum pays homage to traditional Latvian farmhouses while incorporating contemporary elements. The rooflines mimic the gentle undulations of the landscape, creating a sense of harmony with the topography. The design prioritizes large windows that frame the natural beauty outside, allowing ample natural light to permeate the interior spaces. This connection between the indoor and outdoor environments enhances the overall ambiance and encourages visitors to engage more fully with the surrounding ecology.

Material selection plays a critical role in the architectural expression of this project. The use of brick provides the main structure with durability, while timber is utilized for internal finishes, creating an inviting, warm atmosphere. Glass is a significant material, enabling visual continuity between the exterior and interior spaces and offering unobstructed views of the gardens and natural landscapes. This careful consideration of materiality not only supports the aesthetic vision but also contributes to the sustainability of the building.

The landscaping that accompanies the Horse Garden Museum is as integral as the architecture itself. Outdoor exhibition areas and walking paths are woven into the design, encouraging visitors to explore and interact with the environment. The gardens are curated to showcase sculptures and installations that enhance the educational narrative of the museum, while the natural features of the site, including ponds and fields, offer a dynamic backdrop for various activities. This interweaving of landscape and architecture reflects a commitment to ecological sensitivity and enhances the visitor experience.

The museum’s function extends beyond being merely an exhibition space. It acts as a place for learning, where workshops and interactive sessions can take place, fostering creativity and education about equine culture and environmental stewardship. Moreover, the artist residences provide a unique opportunity for visiting artists to immerse themselves in the surroundings, creating a dynamic atmosphere that evolves over time.

The approach taken in designing the Horse Garden Museum emphasizes experiential learning within a biodiverse context. Unlike conventional museums, this project encourages participants to engage actively with both natural and artistic elements. It embodies a philosophy that prioritizes ecological awareness alongside cultural appreciation.

Overall, the Horse Garden Museum in Omuli represents a thoughtful synthesis of architecture, landscape, and community engagement. Its unique design ideas and philosophy provide a model for future cultural institutions that aim to harmonize the built environment with its natural settings. For those interested in diving deeper into this exceptional project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs can provide further insights into the detailed concepts that shaped its creation. This museum not only enhances the cultural landscape of Omuli but also invites everyone to a journey of exploration and discovery amid the beauty of nature.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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