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Panoramic Glass Facade Blending Concrete and Timber in a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Authors:
Ashley Owens, Jamie Schwadel, Ruthie Kuhlman
Panoramic Glass Facade Blending Concrete and Timber in a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

A panoramic glass facade integrates seamlessly with concrete and timber elements, creating a multifunctional space designed for exhibitions and community engagement in the heart of Riga.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while creating dynamic interior spaces.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both sustainability and acoustic benefits.
03
Extensive glass facades maximize natural light and visual connectivity with the environment.
04
Charred wooden shingles on the exterior offer durability and fire resistance.
05
Outdoor exhibition areas are seamlessly integrated with the surrounding landscape for community engagement.
The Kip Island Expo Centre is an architectural project situated on Kipsala Island in Riga, Latvia. This facility is designed to serve as a multifunctional hub for exhibitions, conferences, and community events. The building's layout encourages interaction among visitors while fostering a connection with the natural landscape, reinforcing its role as a prominent cultural center within the city.

The architectural design incorporates a range of key features that enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The elongated glass corridor acts as the spine of the structure, promoting transparency and visual connectivity between various spaces. The design not only ensures ample natural light but also fosters a sense of openness, inviting community participation.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on sustainability and local craftsmanship. The exterior utilizes a combination of glass, concrete, steel, and timber, integrating modern materials that reflect the surrounding environment. The incorporation of green wall systems promotes biodiversity, while also enhancing the building’s energy performance. The roofing elements crafted from timber echo local architectural traditions and create a warm atmosphere within.

The flexibility of the interior spaces is a notable characteristic of the Kip Island Expo Centre. The exhibition halls can be adapted for diverse events, equipped with movable partitions to create varying configurations. The auditoriums feature tiered seating arrangements, which can accommodate different types of performances and presentations. Outdoor exhibition areas are designed to seamlessly connect the interior program with the surrounding landscape, enabling a wide range of public interactions.

The project successfully merges contemporary design strategies with a strong sense of place, setting it apart from standard exhibition centers. Its focus on fostering community engagement, combined with careful material selection and environmental considerations, positions the Kip Island Expo Centre as a model for future architectural projects in urban settings.

Readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more detailed insights, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that further illustrate the nuances of this design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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