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Elevated Ramp and Transparent Glass Unite Community Spaces

Authors:
Ismini Theodosopoulou, Stella Pavlidou
Elevated Ramp and Transparent Glass Unite Community Spaces

Project in-detail

The integration of an elevated ramp and extensive glass facades creates a vibrant spatial experience that connects diverse community functions, including exhibitions and meetings, while enhancing the relationship between the building and its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central lobby serves as a multifunctional hub, connecting various activities.
02
The design incorporates an elevated ramp that offers unique site perspectives.
03
Glass facades maximize natural light and visual connections to the surroundings.
04
The project’s form is inspired by origami, creating intricate spatial dynamics.
05
Its location integrates seamlessly with Riga's historical landscape and urban life.

The design is situated next to the historical Old City and Business Centre of Riga. Its location plays an important role in the overall concept, aiming to connect two distinct sections of the site through a volume that rises from the ground. The design draws inspiration from origami, introducing a contemporary style while maintaining harmony with the historical context. The building is intended to serve multiple functions, providing spaces for exhibitions, conferences, and community engagement.

Design Concept

The design expresses a clear geometric idea, inspired by the art of origami, which interacts with and complements the existing structure. This choice of form introduces a lively quality to the façade, establishing a strong presence amid the historical setting. The folded shapes create both visual interest and functional benefits, allowing the building to engage meaningfully with its environment.

Transparency and Light

Using glass extensively is a central feature of the design, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces. The large windows create bright, welcoming areas, suitable for various activities. This openness enriches the atmosphere and helps connect the interior with the exterior. Visitors can easily sense the world outside while enjoying the comfort of the indoors, creating a dynamic relationship with the surroundings.

Circulation and Functionality

The internal layout is designed to aid movement, guiding visitors smoothly from the street side to the riverside. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a spacious lobby that serves as a central point, leading to a range of functional areas, including auditoriums, conference rooms, management offices, and exhibition spaces. This organization supports a variety of activities, highlighting the building’s role as a community hub.

Design Detail

An important feature of the design is a ramp integrated into the outer shell, which provides elevated views of the area. This aspect not only enhances the experience for visitors but also strengthens the connection between the building and its context. The ramp invites exploration and offers a unique perspective, positioning the structure within the ongoing story of Riga's architectural heritage.

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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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