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Curved Geometry and OSB Create a Warm Museum and Hotel Experience

Author:
Ella ziyun Gao
Curved Geometry and OSB Create a Warm Museum and Hotel Experience

Project in-detail

Curved geometries and the use of OSB create a welcoming environment for visitors, blending the functions of a museum and a boutique hotel in an equestrian-focused setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved geometries enhance the visual flow between spaces.
02
OSB is prominently used for walls and furnishings, reflecting a rustic theme.
03
Two vertical galleries serve as separate entrances for hotel and museum.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed skylights.
05
A warm color palette connects the design to the existing building fabric.

The Omuli Museum of the Horse and the O-Barn boutique hotel create a carefully designed space that blends local heritage with modern needs. Situated in a region known for its equestrian culture, the project serves both as a museum and a hospitality venue. The design connects the old and new, creating a unified appearance that respects the site’s history while accommodating contemporary use.

Architecture Concept

The design focuses on separating different areas while allowing them to work together. Parking areas for O-Barn guests and museum visitors are clearly marked, along with essential spaces such as Vertical Gallery A and the hotel lobby. Vertical Gallery B connects directly to the museum lobby, allowing for easy movement throughout the facility. This setup supports various activities, from public exhibitions to private guest experiences, improving overall functionality.

Materiality

Materials chosen for the interiors play an essential role in shaping the character of the space. OSB, or Oriented Strand Board, is prominently used for walls, floors, and furniture. Its rough texture adds a warm, rustic feel that relates well to the museum's equine theme while also creating a cozy environment in the hotel. In addition to OSB, metal channel is used as a secondary structural element, providing a refined contrast to the rough surfaces and enhancing the overall design.

Lighting and Color Strategies

Lighting throughout the building is thoughtfully arranged to improve both function and atmosphere. Ceiling-hanging rim lights in brass finish complement the circular shapes of skylights in the vertical galleries. This arrangement ensures well-lit areas that also highlight key architectural features. In common spaces, horse shoe lights with a scarlet finish are used to tie the design back to its equestrian context. The color schemes also play an important role, with a silver and white palette chosen for exhibition areas and warm colors used in the guest house to create a welcoming ambiance.

Sustainability

The focus on sustainability is evident in the choice of materials and construction techniques. Lightweight modular panels streamline site management and allow for flexible design solutions. Maximizing natural light access across living areas, the design incorporates cross ventilation to promote thermal comfort. Double-glazed windows enhance insulation, helping to reduce energy use in the building.

One noteworthy design detail is the introduction of curved shapes in the reception area. This feature softens the overall look and creates a welcoming feel for visitors. It also encourages movement through the space, inviting guests to explore both the museum and the hotel.

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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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