Architecture project // Glass-Faced Community Hub with Wooden Additions and Sustainable Guest Accommodations

Glass-Faced Community Hub with Wooden Additions and Sustainable Guest Accommodations

Authors:

Daniel Ercin, Erdem Aydin

The large glass façades and modular wooden components define a cultural center in Latvia that serves as a workshop, exhibition space, and guest accommodations dedicated to traditional horse breeding and arts.

5 key facts about this project

The design incorporates an adaptive reuse of a 1936 primary school.

Large glass façades establish visual connections with the surrounding landscape.

Modular wooden components allow flexible expansion for future use.

The old barn is transformed into bicycle storage and wood fuel storage.

Guest accommodations include dedicated space for artist residencies.

General keywords

latvia museum cultural horse community workshop exhibition guesthouse adaptive reuse biodiversity

Project specific keywords

olumni tiny houses wooden architecture glass faades sustainable energy

The Omuli Museum of the Horse is located in the north Latvian biosphere reserve and represents a revitalization of the Olumni primary school, built in 1936. This museum focuses on traditional horse breeding and its related crafts. The design aims to support artistic practices through careful renovations that encourage community involvement and interaction among artists, visitors, and residents.

Design Framework

The museum's layout adopts a modular design approach, transforming the original school into various functional spaces. The first floor serves as an artists' day workshop, providing a space for both local and visiting artists to work. Upstairs, accommodations are available for two artists and a groundskeeper, creating a supportive environment for artistic exploration.

Integration of Old and New

Integration of modern elements with the existing structure is a key feature of the design. The roof combines contemporary features with the historic school building. This careful blend maintains the character of the original structure while adapting it for modern use. The overall layout promotes interaction across different areas, including workshops, exhibitions, and social spaces, contributing to a lively cultural setting.

Material Composition

Materials play an important role in the museum's character. The primary choices are construction lumber and concrete. The use of wood connects to Latvia's traditional building practices, reinforcing local heritage. The concrete core and foundation ensure stability, aligning with the museum's functional needs while supporting sustainability goals.

Design Details

Large glass façades dominate the exhibition hall and communal areas, allowing abundant natural light to enter. This connection with the outside creates an inviting atmosphere, making the museum feel open to the surrounding environment. The renovation of an old barn into a bicycle garage and storage for wood fuel highlights the project’s focus on sustainability, reflecting a thoughtful approach to reusing resources while honoring local culture.