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Circular Design Featuring Marine Steel and Fairfaced Concrete for a Multifunctional Cultural Space

Author:
alain naufal
Circular Design Featuring Marine Steel and Fairfaced Concrete for a Multifunctional Cultural Space

Project in-detail

The use of circular openings combined with marine steel and fairfaced concrete creates a multifunctional cultural space that seamlessly integrates with the landscape and enhances acoustic experiences for various public events.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates circular openings that enhance natural lighting and airflow.
02
Marine steel plates are utilized for durability against coastal weather conditions.
03
Fairfaced concrete provides both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
04
The tiered seating arrangement optimizes acoustics and audience interaction.
05
Landscaped areas surrounding the building promote community engagement and outdoor events.

## Overview

The Kip Island Auditorium is situated in Riga, Latvia, and represents a contemporary architectural effort that merges cultural representation with environmental sustainability. The design embraces the concept of "hybrid architecture," integrating various cultural influences and architectural styles into a unified urban form. This project reflects the dynamic character of Riga, aiming to create a versatile space that accommodates an array of cultural events and activities.

## Spatial Organization

The auditorium comprises five interconnected structures, each designated for specific purposes such as conference rooms, exhibition spaces, and public facilities. This diverse programmatic layout fosters community engagement and facilitates interaction among users, establishing a vibrant urban experience. The circular organization of the design enhances its fluidity and encourages a harmonious coexistence of historical and modern architectural elements.

### Material Selection

A strategic selection of materials underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability while contributing to its architectural character. Prominently featured materials include:

- **Marine Steel Plates**: Chosen for their durability, these plates withstand the coastal environment, ensuring long-term structural integrity.

- **Fairfaced Concrete**: This material's versatility allows for varied aesthetic treatments while being readily available for construction.

- **Natural Solid Wood**: Valued for its acoustic properties, wood creates warm interior spaces, enhancing the overall user experience.

The careful combination of these materials addresses both sustainability goals and aesthetic considerations, highlighting a contemporary expression of architectural design.

## Innovative Lighting and Nature Integration

The auditorium employs an advanced lighting strategy characterized by large openings and circular skylights that maximize natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting and aligning with sustainable practices. The atmospheric conditions within the building evolve throughout the day, enhancing user comfort.

Furthermore, the design incorporates outdoor exhibition areas and landscaped surroundings, establishing a meaningful relationship between the building and its natural environment. This integration not only enhances ecological awareness but also serves as a cultural platform that reflects Latvia's heritage and community identity, encouraging artistic exploration and social engagement.

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

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Competition organisers

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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