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Circular Light Shaft and Community Gathering Within Historic Context

Authors:
Otto Arlien-søborg, Alexander Ivanoff
Circular Light Shaft and Community Gathering Within Historic Context

Project in-detail

A circular light shaft illuminates the communal spaces of a historic building, integrating artist studios and workshop areas to foster creativity while serving as a museum dedicated to the horse.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular light shaft enhances natural illumination throughout the building.
02
Northwestern wing accommodates seasonal artist residencies.
03
Ground floor serves as both museum and community gathering area.
04
First floor includes private guest rooms connected to social spaces.
05
Northeastern wing hosts regular arts and crafts workshops.

The "Autobiography of Omuli" project emphasizes the importance of an existing building with a rich history, providing a space that combines the function of a museum for horses and a community gathering area. Located within a varied landscape, the design merges the old structure's past and the needs of today's users. The goal is to connect the building's history with modern life, engaging visitors with both culture and the natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The ground floor is designed primarily as a public area where people can interact and explore. It features exhibition spaces that showcase both permanent collections of local artifacts and rotating exhibits that highlight the history of the area. Dining spaces, including a bar and terrace, invite visitors to relax and socialize, adding to the lively atmosphere of the building.

Artist Residencies and Workshops

The northwestern wing contains studios for seasonal artists, allowing for creative practices that are open to the community. This area can transition into exhibition spaces during the off-season, enhancing the building’s role as a hub for artistic endeavors. Meanwhile, the northeastern wing offers spaces for arts and crafts workshops, promoting hands-on activities that engage the public and encourage participation in the creative process.

Private Accommodations and Community Interaction

On the first floor, guest rooms provide private accommodations, making it possible for visitors to spend the night. These rooms connect to communal areas where guests can engage in social activities, such as reading or games. The layout strikes a balance between private retreat and community interaction, inviting people to connect while allowing for moments of solitude.

A significant feature is the large circular light shaft that brings natural light into the building. This design element not only brightens the interior but also creates visual links between various spaces. As light flows through, it forms an open and welcoming environment, linking indoor areas with the outdoors and enhancing the overall experience of the space.

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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

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