5 key facts about this project
The Omuli Primary School is located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve and carries a significant historical background from its design in 1934-1936. Over the years, the school has experienced changes, including its closure and eventual transformation into the Omuli Museum of the Horse Competition in 2021. The design aims to encourage collective living and strong connections with the natural environment. The focus is on creating a space that supports community activities and fosters interaction among users.
Site Plan and Layout
The site plan organizes key features such as the entrance, an add-on section, a groundskeeper's house, parking, a pond, and a rest area. Each element has been placed thoughtfully to enhance accessibility and utility, ensuring diverse groups can engage with the space. The ground floor includes communal areas such as a lobby, artists' workshop, common living room, stage and conference room, showers, sauna, kitchen, exhibition hall, and dining area. This setup creates opportunities for various social activities and interaction.
Spatial Dynamics and Community Focus
The design encourages a strong sense of community. The arrangement allows for easy movement, which is important for fostering connections among users. Notably, the transformation of some windows into doors enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor areas. The first floor expands on this theme, offering spaces for artist accommodation, a guest suite, and a linen room, which support both workshops and longer-term stays.
Materiality and Environmental Integration
The choice of materials is purposeful and reflects the design goals. Fair-faced concrete and hotched concrete provide a modern look, while timber and pargetted bricks introduce warmth and variation in texture. Low-E glass is used to improve energy efficiency and support sustainability. Additionally, aluminium alloy and steel roof beams ensure the building is sturdy enough for its intended uses.
The design leads to a series of connected spaces that encourage interaction between inside and outside, promoting a sense of community within the Omuli Primary School.
