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Raw Concrete and Glass Facade Enhances Cultural Space With Flexible Layouts

Authors:
Daniela Lopez Puello, David de Jesus Urbina Solorio
Raw Concrete and Glass Facade Enhances Cultural Space With Flexible Layouts

Project in-detail

A raw concrete and glass façade defines a versatile cultural hub designed to engage communities through music, creativity, and interaction in a dynamic, flexible environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in Cesis, Latvia, the project emphasizes vinyl culture through its dedicated retail space.
02
The structure incorporates a transparent facade that invites natural light and connects indoor and outdoor environments.
03
Flexible areas allow for various functions, enabling the space to adapt for events, co-working, and social gatherings.
04
Artistic lighting installations create an engaging atmosphere while enhancing the aesthetic experience throughout the hub.
05
A creative studio is integrated alongside retail, fostering collaboration among artists and the community.

### Project Overview
The Mango Vinyl Hub is situated in Cesis, Latvia, designed to merge the realms of vinyl music and contemporary architecture. The objective is to establish an interactive, multifunctional venue that caters to vinyl enthusiasts, music aficionados, and creative professionals. Through its design, the project emphasizes the significance of analog music, creating an environment that draws on elements of nostalgia while adhering to modern architectural principles.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement
The architectural plan features a series of interconnected spaces, each fulfilling distinct functions:

1. **Ground Floor:**
The ground level includes a vinyl store with an inviting layout that showcases a curated selection of records, promoting movement and interaction. Adjacent to this space, a creative studio provides a dynamic workspace for artists and freelancers, fostering collaboration.

2. **Second Floor and Underground Venue:**
The second floor houses a co-working area designed to enhance productivity, complemented by a patio that allows natural light and outdoor access. Below ground, a versatile venue accommodates events, exhibitions, and performances, adaptable for various functions such as concerts and fashion shows.

### Material Selection and Architectural Language
The materials chosen reflect a dialogue between tradition and modernity:

- **Concrete** is employed for structural components, conveying industrial strength.
- **Brick** elements are strategically placed to evoke warmth and a sense of heritage, in contrast with sleek modern surfaces.
- **Glass** façades enhance natural illumination and create a transparent interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- **Wood** is incorporated in furnishings, adding an organic quality that balances the industrial character of the environment.

The combination of vibrant lighting installations and flexible spatial arrangements encourages interaction among visitors, creating a communal atmosphere. Additionally, the thoughtful integration of windows and patios emphasizes a connection to the surrounding landscape, enriching the overall user experience. The architectural approach serves not only functional necessities but also reflects a commitment to fostering community engagement and cultural resonance.

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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