Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Interplay of Textured Concrete and Lush Vegetation in a Cultural Hub

Authors:
Tadej Bevk, Nejc Florjanc, Aljaž Babič
Interplay of Textured Concrete and Lush Vegetation in a Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Textured concrete pillars and an expansive roof garden seamlessly integrate history and nature, creating a dynamic cultural space in Riga that engages visitors with its past while serving as a vibrant community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Textured concrete pillars symbolize the Baltic states, enhancing cultural representation.
02
A roof garden integrates local flora, promoting biodiversity and urban greenery.
03
Exhibition spaces encourage interaction with historical artifacts, fostering community engagement.
04
Innovative circulation pathways guide visitors through a narrative of memory and identity.
05
Natural light maximizes transparency and connection to the surrounding urban environment.

### Overview

Located in Riga, Latvia, the project "An Immovable Object" serves as a contemplative space that explores the interconnected themes of memory, place, and historical narrative. The design operates within a framework that encourages users to engage with both the past and present through a carefully conceived spatial organization. The building's structure is intended not only to accommodate activities but also to evoke emotional connections and reflections on time.

### Spatial Narrative

The architectural layout defines three distinct levels that represent temporal experiences. The ground floor functions as a labyrinthine space, symbolizing historical narratives and reflections of the past. Transitioning to the first floor, a series of exhibition areas invite visitors to connect with memory through interactive displays that present historical elements contextually. At the top, the roof garden represents contemporary life, offering panoramic views of Riga while integrating natural elements into the urban environment. This vertical arrangement establishes a journey through time, encouraging visitors to navigate the emotional landscape of the building.

### Material and Structural Composition

The material palette is selected to enhance the thematic layers of the design. Concrete serves as the primary material, reinforcing notions of permanence and structural integrity, while its rugged texture contrasts with softer interior elements. Glass is strategically used to create visual connections between the interior and exterior, allowing natural light to permeate the space. The incorporation of greenery, particularly in the roof garden and interior vegetation, establishes a relationship with nature, contributing to the building's sustainability and liveliness.

Structural innovations include three vertical pillars that symbolize the Baltic states, which serve a dual role as functional supports and guiding elements within the visitor experience. A long pathway connects the distinct levels, facilitating movement and exploration throughout the structure. The roof garden functions as a communal space, fostering social interactions amidst a natural setting. This integration of diverse materials and structural elements culminates in an architecture that supports both physical exploration and emotional engagement.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy