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Glulam Beams and Concrete Facades Enhance Cultural Space in Finland

Authors:
Alecsandru Vasiliu, Ana-Dora Matei, Andreea Stanica, Adina Dobrota
Glulam Beams and Concrete Facades Enhance Cultural Space in Finland

Project in-detail

Utilizing glulam beams and concrete facades, the design creates a multifunctional cultural space in Finland that combines community engagement with reflections of Gothic architectural influences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes fluted glulam beams for enhanced structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features an intermediate outdoor layer that contrasts natural and built environments.
03
Incorporates expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and visual connections.
04
Includes a central monumental staircase that guides circulation and enhances user experience.
05
Design reflects Gothic architectural influences while promoting contemporary community use.

The architectural design integrates elements of Gothic military architecture with a modern functional layout, situated in a landscape that encourages community interaction and personal reflection. The overall concept features strong, opaque structural walls that create a sense of protection while allowing light and air to flow through the space. Its design supports various functions, addressing both residential and communal needs, with a central focus on the Omuli Museum of the Horse.

FUNCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

The main floor is organized to include key facilities such as a reception area, public washrooms, and kitchen spaces, alongside communal areas like a dining room and common living room. There are specialized spaces, including a sauna, coffee shop, and artist apartments, which respond to different user requirements and promote social interaction. This careful arrangement reflects a commitment to versatility, aiming to foster community ties among visitors and residents.

CIRCULATION AND EXPERIENCE

A monumental staircase serves as a key feature, guiding visitors through the building. This circulation strategy is essential, directing movement from lively public spaces to quieter, more intimate areas. The design of these pathways allows users to engage with both the architecture and the surrounding environment, creating inviting routes that enhance the overall experience for visitors.

MATERIALS AND SUSTAINABILITY

A focus on durability and functionality is evident in the choice of materials. The roof assembly incorporates a 2-ply membrane and sloped insulation for effective drainage, while fluted glulam decks and beams provide structural support and visual interest. The exposed concrete facade utilizes prefab panels and aluminum vapor barriers, balancing aesthetics with practical performance.

OUTDOOR CONNECTIONS

Courtyards and balconies are integrated into the design to improve the building's connection to the natural environment. These outdoor features allow ample natural light and ventilation to enter the interior spaces. Durable surfaces made from granite pavers, sand, and perlitic bedding create welcoming ground-level areas. The positioning of these outdoor spaces enhances the relationship between interior and exterior, granting free movement between environments.

Design details such as expansive glass facades present clear views to the outside while fostering a sense of openness in communal areas, enriching the experience of users within the space.

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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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