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Light-Projecting Facade with Angular Forms Crafted from Sustainable Materials

Author:
Eman Ismail
Light-Projecting Facade with Angular Forms Crafted from Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

A light-projecting facade crafted from sustainable materials and characterized by angular forms creates an interactive community hub that fosters cultural expression and civic engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light-projecting facade dynamically displays cultural narratives through a responsive surface.
02
Angular forms reflect the multifaceted nature of community life, enhancing visual interest.
03
Constructed with sustainable materials, including eco-friendly concrete and steel elements.
04
Incorporates social gathering spaces thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
05
Utilizes wood for warmth, promoting an inviting atmosphere and human scale.

### Overview

Located in the heart of Riga, Latvia, the project draws on profound cultural and historical references, particularly the ancient symbol "the sign of Laima," which represents fate and time. The design seeks to embody the shared journey and collective memory of the Latvian people, focusing on themes of unity and peaceful resistance, particularly as illustrated by historical events such as the Baltic Way. This foundation informs the architectural narrative, fostering a space that promotes community engagement and reflection.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The structure features a series of angular, crystalline shapes that evoke a gem-like quality, reflecting the complexities of community life. A prominent element is the **light screen**, which integrates thin slides to display visual narratives, creating a dynamic interface within the urban environment.

The choice of materials enhances the architectural intent, featuring:

- **Concrete**: Serves as the structural backbone and provides a canvas for cultural expressions.
- **Steel**: Used in the framing of the light screen and for structural support, ensuring durability and an appealing aesthetic.
- **Glass**: Incorporated to dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior, enhancing transparency and connectivity.
- **Wood**: Introduced for warmth, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages public interaction.

These materials work together to create a tactile experience that engages visitors both visually and physically.

### Landscape Integration

The building is strategically positioned within landscaped surroundings designed to cultivate social engagement. Landscape features include:

- **Vegetation**: Trees function as natural canopies, providing shade and comfort while resonating with the historical essence of the area.
- **Open Spaces**: Designed flexibly for recreational use, accommodating a range of social activities, from casual meetings to formal events.
- **Integrated Seating Areas**: Created to foster a sense of community, encouraging visitors to gather and interact.

This thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture underscores the commitment to enhancing the urban experience, situating the design within the social fabric of Riga.

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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

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
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