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Curvilinear Space Framed in Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light for a Community Auditorium

Author:
Yonatan E. López Páez
Curvilinear Space Framed in Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light for a Community Auditorium

Project in-detail

Framed by charred wooden shingles and a curvilinear design that enhances natural light, the auditorium serves as a flexible community space dedicated to cultural events and educational programs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bespoke charred wooden shingles provide both weather resistance and a distinct aesthetic.
02
The bent A-frame design optimizes acoustics and visual connections within the auditorium.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed windows and openings.
05
Flexible interior spaces can adapt to various community functions and events.
The Kip Island Auditorium is an architectural project situated near the historical center of Riga, Latvia, aimed at creating a versatile space for community gatherings, lectures, and performances. This project represents a fusion of contemporary architecture and integration with its historical context, emphasizing functionality and user experience. The design features two distinct buildings: one solid and closed, the other light and transparent, symbolizing an interaction between permanence and ephemerality.

The layout of the auditorium consists of interconnected volumes that host a variety of functions including a large auditorium, exhibition spaces, conference rooms, offices, and a café. The entrance hall serves as a central point, facilitating movement between these spaces. The design promotes accessibility and community engagement, with clear pathway systems leading visitors through the site, linking it to the surrounding urban environment.

Unique Design Approaches

The Kip Island Auditorium employs innovative design strategies that differentiate it from conventional auditorium projects. The use of irregular wooden slats on the façade creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, responding to environmental conditions while also referencing the nearby natural landscape. This design element serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, acting as a brise-soleil to mitigate solar gain while enhancing the building's visual appeal.

Furthermore, the auditorium's ovoid interior space deviates from traditional rectangular shapes often found in similar venues. This curvature allows for greater flexibility in seating arrangements and facilitates varied programming. The interior design emphasizes transparency, with ample natural light streaming through large windows, fostering an inviting atmosphere conducive to creativity and connection.

Integration of Materiality and Structure

Housing structures are primarily composed of materials such as wood, glass, steel, and concrete, each selected for their durability and aesthetic qualities. The wooden façade not only serves as a protective shell but also provides a tactile quality that references traditional building materials in Riga. Steel elements are incorporated into the support structure, ensuring stability while allowing for open spaces within the auditorium. The use of concrete offers the necessary foundation and solidity for the overall design.

The project seeks to create an engaging architectural experience, where visitors navigate through interconnected spaces that promote interaction and cultural exchange. By blending contemporary design with contextual sensitivity, the Kip Island Auditorium establishes itself as a significant addition to Riga’s architectural landscape.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind the Kip Island Auditorium, we encourage readers to explore the project presentation further.
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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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