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Linen Canopy and Timber Integration Create Dynamic Gathering Space in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Luiza Stibe, Tina Alise Drupa, Annija Danenberga, Darta Sakarne, Tina Alise Drupa, Annija Danenberga, Darta Sakarne
Linen Canopy and Timber Integration Create Dynamic Gathering Space in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

A dynamic linen canopy gracefully interacts with timber elements to create an inviting food court that celebrates community and culinary experiences within a serene forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a dynamic linen canopy that adapts to changing weather conditions, enhancing user experience.
02
Timber cladding is utilized throughout to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that connects the structure to its forest surroundings.
03
LED lighting elements are integrated into the framework, providing illumination while maintaining a low environmental impact.
04
The layout promotes fluid movement between zones, enabling seamless access for both patrons and vendors during busy festival operations.
05
Sustainable materials, including locally sourced timber and recyclable metals, underscore the project’s ecological focus.
The Virsaune Food Court project is an architectural endeavor situated in the naturally rich and vibrant Seüljä region, created specifically for the vibrant Sansusi Festival. It serves as a multifunctional space that seamlessly integrates with its immediate environment, emphasizing a dialogue between built form and nature. The project represents a thoughtful approach to community gathering and culinary experience, crafting a space that enhances social interaction among festival attendees while providing essential services for food preparation and consumption.

In terms of function, the Virsaune Food Court fulfills the dual roles of a dining area and a logistical hub for vendors. Designed to accommodate both the preparation and serving of food, the layout prioritizes efficiency and flow, ensuring that attendees can quickly access culinary offerings while fostering an atmosphere of community engagement. The thoughtful arrangement of various zones, including eating spaces, caterer areas, and storage, promotes a smooth transition for both visitors and vendors, essential for the dynamic context of a festival.

The project's architectural design integrates lightweight materials that reflect the surrounding forest environment. The use of linen for canopy elements allows for gentle light filtration, creating a soft ambiance while protecting patrons from the elements. Stainless steel is utilized in kitchen workspaces for its durability and easy maintenance, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic food service areas. Plywood and timber boards form the structural basis of the food court, enhancing warmth and providing a tactile contrast to the stainless steel surfaces. Brightly colored metal tables introduce playful and inviting elements to the communal dining experience, encouraging social gatherings and interactions.

Notable is the project's innovative use of natural ventilation and light. The architecture is designed to benefit from the local climate, with the linen canopy reacting to wind changes to bring a sense of dynamism to the space. Additionally, the integration of LED lighting strategically placed within the structure transforms the atmosphere post-sunset, providing both functionality and an inviting ambiance, further enriching the festival experience during evening hours.

The ecological focus of the Virsaune Food Court’s architectural design is reinforced by its alignment with sustainable practices. By using locally sourced materials and considering environmental impacts, the project not only fosters a sense of place but also promotes awareness of ecological considerations in architecture.

In summary, the Virsaune Food Court stands as a significant architectural contribution to the Seüljä region, merging functionality with environmental sensitivity. By prioritizing community engagement and the culinary experience within a forest context, it exemplifies modern architectural ideas that respect nature while catering to the needs of those who enjoy it. For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and design elements underpinning this project, interested readers are encouraged to engage with the detailed presentation of the Virsaune Food Court.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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