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Sauna Block with Plunge Pool Enhances Community Engagement Amidst Landscaped Grounds

Authors:
Greg Ferguson, Ed Davison
Sauna Block with Plunge Pool Enhances Community Engagement Amidst Landscaped Grounds
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A sauna block with a plunge pool sits at the heart of this community-centric space, surrounded by thoughtfully landscaped grounds that invite exploration and connection, serving as a museum dedicated to Latvian folk history.
5 key facts about this project
01
A sauna block integrated into the museum emphasizes traditional Latvian cultural practices.
02
Landscaped grounds encourage outdoor exploration and community interaction.
03
Bedrooms are arranged around a communal living space to foster social connections.
04
Architectural interventions preserve the historical significance of the existing school building.
05
A plunge pool enhances the connection between visitors and the natural environment.

The Omuli Museum of the Horse is located in Latvia and is designed to reflect the rich cultural traditions of the region. It serves as an educational space that combines the former Omuli Primary School with modern architectural elements. The museum aims to immerse visitors in local stories and experiences, creating an environment where culture, history, and nature come together.

Architectural Concept

The design encourages visitors to actively engage with Latvia’s cultural heritage. Landscaped grounds complement the indoor spaces and provide an outdoor area for exploration. This allows guests to connect with various aspects of local history, including traditional stories, songs, and crafts. The layout emphasizes accessibility while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Spatial Organization

The museum features a thoughtful arrangement of communal and private spaces. Bedrooms are organized around a central communal living room that encourages social interaction among residents. This organization reflects the importance of shared experiences in Latvian culture. It allows individuals to connect through their cultural narratives while enjoying comfort and privacy.

Integration with Existing Structure

Architectural interventions are designed to respect and preserve the existing school building's historical significance. Key elements of the original structure are maintained, reinforcing its role as a cultural landmark. By keeping the historical aspects intact, the design enriches the visitor experience and highlights the stories and heritage embedded in the building.

Nature and Relaxation Elements

A prominent feature is the sauna block, which enhances visitors' connection to the surrounding environment. It includes a plunge pool located within the grounds, providing a space for relaxation and cultural practices. The design emphasizes the importance of nature, reflecting the integration of traditional customs into the museum experience.

The facade incorporates both historical and modern elements, creating a dialogue between old and new. The design emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate Latvia's cultural history.

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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

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