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Forest Entrance Framed by Glass Facades in a Community Center for Horses

Authors:
Andy tian-yue Hu, Yiran Zhao
Forest Entrance Framed by Glass Facades in a Community Center for Horses

Project in-detail

A museum for horses is integrated into a community center framed by glass facades and designed to enhance interactions between nature and people, all while providing essential functions for both social and educational purposes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a museum dedicated to native horses.
02
Features extensive glass facades for enhanced natural light.
03
Divides the site into three distinct experiential zones.
04
Includes a greenhouse-like Dining & Living Room.
05
Promotes interaction between occupants and nature.

The project in Omuli, Latvia, invites a conversation between architecture and nature. It is designed as a space for living and community gatherings, reflecting on the notion of a love letter. The concept emphasizes connections—between people, the environment, and animals. By moving away from typical castle-like designs, the structure frames the landscape rather than dominating it.

Conceptual Framework

The layout divides the site into three main areas: a forest entrance located in the northwest, a wide-open field to the south, and a protected garden in the southwest. This arrangement encourages exploration and offers different experiences of the surroundings. Each zone supports individual moments of quiet reflection or communal activities, making it adaptable to various needs.

Material Utilization

Windows and glass facades are central to the design. They are carefully placed to allow natural light to fill the spaces and to frame views of the landscape. The Dining & Living Room features a greenhouse-like design, which creates a transition from inside to outside. Occupants can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, whether it be the sound of rain or the sparkle of stars at night, enhancing the overall experience.

Cultural Integration

A distinctive feature is the museum dedicated to horses, which highlights their importance within the local culture. By incorporating native horses into the space, the design showcases their beauty and grace. This element fosters a sense of connection between people and animals, inviting visitors to learn and engage with both in meaningful ways. It serves as a reminder of the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Spatial Dynamics

The arrangement of shared areas, particularly the Dining & Living Room, encourages social interaction. By placing communal spaces alongside essential functions, the design promotes gatherings and conversations. This thoughtful layout allows for a blend of private moments and shared experiences, making the environment lively and inviting.

Overall, different aspects of the design work together to create an environment that encourages engagement with both the landscape and fellow community members. The features invite occupants to immerse themselves in the surroundings and share moments, whether in quiet contemplation or vibrant social gatherings.

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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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