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Floating Auditoriums with Recycled Wood Above a Green Community Hub

Authors:
Alireza Danesh, Savannah Alhaj, Mathew Hagen
Floating Auditoriums with Recycled Wood Above a Green Community Hub

Project in-detail

Elevated above ground, the auditoriums crafted from recycled wood create a vibrant public space beneath, fostering community interaction and supporting various events along the Daugava River.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating auditoriums allow for natural daylight to penetrate the level below.
02
Recycled wood is a primary material, promoting sustainability.
03
A public café enhances community interaction within the complex.
04
The design provides views of the Daugava River from all auditoriums.
05
Integration of a green roof contributes to energy efficiency and biodiversity.

The Kip Island Auditorium project in Riga, Latvia, focuses on creating a new space for gatherings and events. Situated along the Daugava River, the design features four auditoriums elevated above ground level. This approach allows the area below to become a dynamic public space, encouraging community interaction and serving various functions beyond hosting events.

Architectural Configuration

The auditoriums are carefully positioned on pillars, which gives them a floating appearance. This design choice not only enhances visibility but also maximizes natural light in the public space below. As visitors move around, they benefit from views of the river and the city. The walkway connecting the auditoriums allows for easy movement and interaction, making the entire complex feel connected and accessible.

Material Considerations

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design. Recycled wood is used as a primary material, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. The building also incorporates a green roof that provides insulation to the structure. In addition, solar panels are strategically placed on the roof to harness renewable energy, supporting the overall goal of reducing environmental impact.

Public Interaction

A public café serves as a key feature within the design, acting as a gathering point for visitors. Its location facing the outdoor plaza allows for direct access and encourages people to engage with the surrounding area. This café not only caters to the needs of the visitors but also enriches the atmosphere, contributing to a lively and welcoming environment.

The auditoriums are oriented inward, creating an intimate experience for events while providing appealing views of the Daugava and the cityscape. This thoughtful arrangement enhances both functionality and visual interest, ultimately reflecting the character of Riga.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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