Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Cedar Design in a Cultural Space Celebrating Equestrian Heritage

Authors:
Alice paula Bretan mădaș, Iulia Miclea
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Cedar Design in a Cultural Space Celebrating Equestrian Heritage

Project in-detail

With its striking charred wooden shingles and warm cedar exterior, the museum immerses visitors in the rich cultural narrative of the Latvian horse while serving as an engaging educational hub for the community.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create a warm and inviting interior atmosphere.
03
An innovative bent A-frame structure optimizes space while harmonizing with the natural landscape.
04
Dedicated interactive zones allow visitors to engage directly with the equestrian exhibits.
05
Sustainable landscaping integrates native plants that promote local biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The Multi Alive Museum of the Latvian Horse represents a thoughtful integration of cultural heritage, community engagement, and sustainable architectural design. Situated within a natural landscape that invites interaction with the surroundings, this project serves not just as a museum but as a comprehensive space dedicated to celebrating the historical and cultural significance of horses in Latvia.

The primary function of the museum is to educate visitors about the pivotal role that horses have played in Latvian society through various eras. This is achieved through a series of exhibitions, interactive installations, and community spaces that allow for a deeper exploration of the relationship between humans and horses. The design successfully merges aesthetic value with functionality, ensuring that the museum is both an informative and an engaging environment.

Key elements of the architectural design include a modern yet rustic main building that utilizes large glass panels to enhance natural lighting and create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors. This approach not only enriches the visitor experience by allowing them to appreciate the surrounding landscape but also contributes to a more sustainable use of energy throughout the day. The careful choice of materials—such as cedar wood for cladding, concrete for stability, and steel for structural integrity—reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability. These materials not only provide longevity and resilience but also resonate with the cultural context of the region.

The museum includes distinct areas dedicated to exhibitions that showcase the rich history of the Latvian horse, allowing for a variety of displays that can incorporate both traditional artifacts and contemporary interactive technology. This focus on experiential learning is a hallmark of the design, emphasizing the importance of visitor engagement in fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Outside, the museum features well-planned landscaping that integrates cycling paths and green spaces conducive to relaxation and exploration. These outdoor areas enhance accessibility and invite community members and visitors alike to partake in the region's cultural offerings. Additionally, the presence of stabling and training facilities for horses supports the museum’s educational mission by allowing live demonstrations and interactive encounters with horses, reinforcing the link between the exhibits and the living context of the Latvian horse.

A unique aspect of this project is its emphasis on community and social coherence. The inclusion of multipurpose spaces for events and workshops provides a platform for local engagement and cultural exchange, ensuring that the museum serves as a hub for community activities beyond its educational purpose. By creating such a space, the architects have addressed the need for cultural institutions to function as active participants in their communities.

In terms of design philosophy, the project illustrates a balance between homage to historical forms and the integration of modern architectural practices. It respects the traditional values associated with horse culture while embracing contemporary techniques for construction and energy efficiency. This approach allows the museum to celebrate its subject matter authentically while also addressing current environmental and social concerns.

Overall, the Multi Alive Museum of the Latvian Horse stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes cultural expression and community involvement while emphasizing sustainability. For those interested in a deeper understanding of its intricate design elements, architectural plans, sections, and various architectural ideas are available for exploration. Visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike are encouraged to delve into the project's presentation for an enriched perspective on its unique architectural narrative.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy