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Integrated Sound Stage Crafted from Reclaimed Wood and Plywood in Akniste Forest

Authors:
Ralf Gabriel Saade, Gabriel Piers F Eccles, Leopoldo Pardo Blanco, Leo Kauntz Moderini
Integrated Sound Stage Crafted from Reclaimed Wood and Plywood in Akniste Forest

Project in-detail

Crafted with reclaimed wood and lacquered plywood, the sound stage in the Akniste forest enhances natural acoustics, inviting performers and audiences to engage with the surrounding environment through immersive auditory experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using reclaimed wooden palettes, promoting sustainability.
02
The modular seating arrangement allows flexible audience engagement.
03
Acoustic feedback system amplifies natural forest sounds.
04
Roof design features a folded configuration for enhanced aesthetics.
05
Positioned to create an immersive sound environment in the forest.

### Project Overview

The Sansusi Sound Sculpture is a distinctive architectural initiative located in the Akniste forest of Latvia. Focused on the interplay between sound and nature, this design embodies an exploration of acoustic art in a setting defined by its rich and diverse natural environments. The structure serves dual purposes as both a performance venue and an interactive space, enhancing the auditory experiences provided by the surrounding soundscape.

### Design Philosophy

The project's fundamental concept revolves around utilizing the natural landscape as a dynamic backdrop for artistic expression. It aims to encapsulate and amplify the organic sounds of the forest, such as rustling leaves and flowing water, fostering a sensory connection between participants and their environment. This approach is influenced by artists like Jem Finer, whose work emphasizes the importance of environmental sound, inviting reconsideration of traditional performance spaces and audience engagement.

### Architectural Elements

The design features a dual-stage configuration that prioritizes auditory experiences, partially obstructing visual lines to focus attention on sound. An integrated acoustic feedback system captures and amplifies forest sounds, providing an immersive auditory environment. The seating arrangement employs a modular, decentralized format reminiscent of an amphitheater, enhancing accessibility and circulation. Materials used in construction include reclaimed wooden palettes and lacquered birch plywood, promoting sustainability while harmonizing with the forest setting. The roof's folded structure, made from lacquered birch plywood and galvanized steel, ensures both aesthetic quality and structural stability, accommodating the local climate's variability.

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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

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