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Perforated Surfaces and Indoor Gardens Enhance Community Spaces with Sustainable Materials

Authors:
Foivos Sigalas, Anna Salti
Perforated Surfaces and Indoor Gardens Enhance Community Spaces with Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Showcasing perforated surfaces that facilitate natural light and indoor gardens, the design integrates sustainable materials to create a vibrant community hub that fosters cultural exchange and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes perforated surfaces that enhance natural ventilation and light distribution.
02
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that integrates with the landscape.
03
Incorporates indoor gardens to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
04
Employs sustainable materials, including cross-laminated timber and charred wood.
05
Designed to provide varied multifunctional spaces that adapt to community needs.
The Cultural Garden project, located in Riga, Latvia, is an architectural design that integrates natural elements within an urban context, serving as both exhibition space and communal gathering area. The design emphasizes ecological balance, offering visitors a framework to engage with cultural activities within a uniquely designed environment. The project showcases a blend of modern architectural techniques and sustainable practices, promoting a strong connection between built form and nature.

Innovative Integration of Spaces

A significant aspect of the Cultural Garden is its incorporation of multifunctional spaces, which accommodate various community activities and exhibitions. Each zone is designed to fulfill a specific purpose while facilitating seamless movement throughout the site. The integration of indoor and outdoor gardening areas allows for recreational use and enhances the overall aesthetic quality of the environment. Structures feature fluid architectural forms that challenge traditional boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, which exemplifies a contemporary approach to architecture.

Materials and Sustainability

The choice of materials plays a critical role in this project. Glass is employed extensively, promoting transparency and natural lighting, while concrete provides structural integrity. Additionally, eco-friendly materials are selected to align with sustainability goals. The design utilizes perforated surfaces inspired by local cultural symbols, which not only adds visual interest but also optimizes airflow and reduces heat gain, contributing to energy efficiency. The landscaped areas include plantings that support local biodiversity, ensuring the space is harmoniously integrated with its ecological surroundings.

Community-Centric Approach

One of the primary objectives of the Cultural Garden is to foster community engagement. The design creates a cultural hub where residents can participate in social and artistic endeavors. The project emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging diverse activities that promote both cultural awareness and communal connection. The architectural layout is strategically intended to enhance visitor experience, reflecting a commitment to facilitating interaction within the urban framework.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Cultural Garden project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore further details. This will provide deeper insights into the architecture and the unique elements that define this innovative design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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