Get inspired!

17,495 architecture projects

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

Natural Wood Slats and Glass Façade Create a Flexible Community Hub

Authors:
Inga Kruliene, shahab Heidari Faroughi, Keith Lindberg, Matthew Hart
Natural Wood Slats and Glass Façade Create a Flexible Community Hub

Project in-detail

Crafted with an intricate façade of wooden slats and expansive glass, this venue serves as a flexible community hub, fostering interaction and collaboration through its thoughtfully designed spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with a façade of wooden slats that emulate local forest patterns.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates rooftop gardens to promote biodiversity and environmental integration.
04
Features acoustic design elements to enhance sound quality in flexible spaces.
05
Adapts various configurations for diverse events, fostering community interaction.
The Riga Exhibition and Convention Center (RECC) is an architectural project located in Riga, Latvia, designed to serve as a multifunctional venue for various events, including conferences, exhibitions, and social gatherings. The center is strategically positioned to enhance the hospitality offerings in proximity to the city's cultural landmarks, promoting engagement among local and international visitors. The architectural design emphasizes a strong connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding urban environment, fostering a seamless interaction with the city.

The main function of the RECC is to provide a flexible space that adapts to diverse activities while encouraging collaboration and innovation. The design incorporates various zones, including large and small conference halls, exhibition areas, a café, and communal workspaces. These elements are organized to facilitate movement and social interaction among users, fulfilling the project's goal of establishing a community hub within Riga.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the notable aspects of the RECC is its integration of natural elements into the architectural design. The façade features wooden slats that mimic the verticality of the local forests, reinforcing the connection to Latvia's natural landscape. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides functional benefits in terms of shading and acoustic performance. The use of glass in the design maximizes natural light within the interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere while maintaining visual connectivity with the exterior.

Another distinct feature of the RECC is the emphasis on flexibility within the spatial configuration. The large and small conference halls are designed to cater to a range of event sizes, allowing for various setups as required. This adaptability makes the venue suitable for both intimate gatherings and large-scale conventions. The building’s layout encourages movement through open plazas and shared workspaces, promoting interaction among users and cultivating a collaborative environment.

Architectural Details and Materials

The architectural language of the RECC reflects a careful selection of materials that echo the project's vision. The primary materials include concrete for structural elements, providing durability and stability, while wood offers warmth and a connection to nature. Metal components enhance the contemporary character of the design. The integration of greenery, such as rooftop gardens and landscaped areas, further supports sustainability and contributes to the overall environmental quality of the space.

Overall, the Riga Exhibition and Convention Center exemplifies an architectural solution that addresses contemporary needs for multifunctional event spaces while honoring the local context. With its thoughtful design and material selection, the project stands as a significant addition to Riga's urban fabric.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas of the RECC, consider exploring the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its context and impact.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
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 17,495 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