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Grills and Polycarbonate Shelters Enriching Community Gatherings in Forest Settings

Author:
Qianhao Chen
Grills and Polycarbonate Shelters Enriching Community Gatherings in Forest Settings

Project in-detail

Two large grills at the center of a food court, surrounded by warm wooden structures and light-filtering polycarbonate, create an inviting space for community gatherings rooted in Latvian cultural traditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two self-service grills encourage visitor participation in food preparation.
02
The design integrates a Buffet Bar featuring a variety of cold food options.
03
Constructed with wood and polycarbonate, enhancing lightness and durability.
04
Removable windows in the Beverage Unit allow for seasonal adaptability.
05
The layout promotes a communal atmosphere, centralizing cooking and dining.

The Sansusi Forest Food Court is located in a peaceful forest and serves as a lively meeting spot inspired by Latvian cultural traditions. The design draws on the spirit of Līgo Day, a festival that celebrates the summer solstice, as well as the Sansusī Music Festival. It aims to create a space where visitors can come together, enjoy food, and appreciate music in a communal environment.

Buffet Bar

One feature of the food court is the Buffet Bar that allows people to serve themselves. Here, visitors can select from a variety of cold food items such as cheeses, nuts, pickles, and sausages. This setup is designed for easy access, encouraging a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their meals with friends and family.



Food Processing Unit

Next to the Buffet Bar is the Food Processing Unit, which is intended for preparing barbecue ingredients. This area includes two kitchen counters and sufficient storage space. The layout is practical, enabling staff to efficiently prepare food for grilling and ensuring that everything runs smoothly during busy periods.



Beverage Unit

The Beverage Unit adds to the overall experience by allowing staff to create a range of juices and soft drinks. With removable windows, this unit offers flexibility for use during festivals and busy events. The design accommodates varying needs throughout the different seasons, making it a versatile space.



Materiality and Aesthetic

The food court features a clear structure with the use of wood and polycarbonate sheets. Wood gives a warm and natural feel that fits well with the forest setting. The use of polycarbonate for some elements allows for light and visibility, connecting the indoor environment with nature outside. This choice of materials is practical and enhances the overall visual appeal.



A key element of the design is the presence of two large grills, along with two self-service grills for visitors. This setup focuses on the communal experience of cooking together. Visitors can take part in preparing their meals, fostering interaction and a sense of community among attendees.

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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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