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ETFE Canopy and Tubular Steel Structure for a Modern Exhibition Center

Authors:
Margherita Manzon, Giovanni Vendrame, Alvise Moretti
ETFE Canopy and Tubular Steel Structure for a Modern Exhibition Center

Project in-detail

An ETFE canopy and tubular steel frame create an open and inviting exhibition center in Riga, blending historical references with contemporary design to foster community engagement and trade.
5 key facts about this project
01
ETFE panels create a lightweight and transparent façade, enhancing natural light throughout the interior.
02
The tubular steel frame allows for flexible spatial configurations while ensuring structural integrity.
03
Integration of green areas promotes environmental sustainability and air quality improvement.
04
Design references historical ship elements, connecting the building's form to Riga's maritime heritage.
05
Multilevel parking optimizes urban space and accessibility for visitors and community members.

Re-Frame is located in Riga, Latvia, where it serves to bring together different parts of the Riga International Exhibition Center. The design is rooted in a concept that connects the city's rich history with present-day requirements. By incorporating historical references and contemporary architectural solutions, Re-Frame creates a unified identity for the exhibition space.

External Covering and Structure

The design features external covering panels made from thermoplastic ETFE, which act as a lightweight thermal barrier. The inflated panels provide insulation while allowing natural light into the building. This choice not only makes the interior brighter but also creates a sense of openness. Supporting this design is a tubular steel frame, which ensures the building's stability and allows for flexibility in the façade and interior layout.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the layout is designed to encourage movement and interaction. Clear pathways connect different functional areas, including space for exhibitions and public gathering. This configuration supports a variety of events while enhancing the experience for visitors. By being adaptable, the design can meet the changing needs of the community over time.

Green Integration

The inclusion of green areas within the design adds an important environmental aspect. These landscaped sections not only improve the visual appeal but also contribute to air quality and temperature control. This commitment to sustainability aligns with current architectural trends that emphasize the importance of green spaces in urban settings.

Parking and Accessibility

Accessibility is thoughtfully addressed with a multilevel parking structure that can accommodate many vehicles. This feature enhances visitor convenience and fits well within the surrounding urban environment. It helps position the exhibition center as a key location for trade and community interactions.

The Re-Frame design showcases the interplay between the ETFE panels and the structural frame, creating a façade that changes with the light. This quality offers a unique visual experience throughout the day, highlighting the building's connection to its environment.

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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
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