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Revitalized Barn with Clay Plaster and Community Workshops

Authors:
Ewa Kozłowska, Gosia Machaj
Revitalized Barn with Clay Plaster and Community Workshops

Project in-detail

A revitalized barn, now serving as a workshop space, integrates clay plaster finishes and wood fiber insulation to create a community hub in Latvia that emphasizes cultural heritage and artistic collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Revitalized an existing barn to serve as a multifunctional workshop space.
02
Incorporates clay plaster finishes for improved aesthetics and insulation.
03
Features wood fiber insulation promoting energy efficiency.
04
Open ceiling design enhances natural light in exhibition areas.
05
Includes dedicated sauna facilities for recreational use.

The Omuli Centre is located in Latvia, aiming to combine the area's natural beauty with its cultural heritage. It involves renovating an old school building to create a space that encourages artistic activities and community involvement. The design concept focuses on balancing history and modern needs, revitalizing the site while promoting social interaction among those who use it.

Exhibition Spaces

The layout features exhibition areas designed for both temporary and permanent displays. An open ceiling in these spaces allows natural light to enhance the environment, making art more visible and inviting. This design supports various types of artistic presentations, allowing different cultural stories to be effectively shared with visitors.

Community Areas

Central to the design are shared spaces like a kitchen and living room. These areas encourage social interactions among visitors and residents. They are strategically positioned to promote collaboration and idea exchange. By prioritizing communal experiences, the design helps build connections among artists, staff, and guests, fostering a sense of community.

Renovation of Historical Structures

A notable aspect is the renovation of the existing barn, highlighting a commitment to preserving local history. Instead of tearing down the barn, it will be renovated to serve as a workspace for creative activities such as ceramics and carpentry. This plan keeps the historical significance intact while providing practical uses that enrich the experience for all users.

Sustainability Measures

The design incorporates several sustainability features. Existing windows will be replaced to improve thermal insulation, and roofing materials will be reused alongside wood fiber insulation. These choices reflect a focus on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. The project aims to minimize its ecological impact while enhancing user comfort.

The overall design also includes a new barn equipped with sauna facilities and open-air showers, contributing to the recreational offerings and further engaging visitors with the peaceful surroundings.

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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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