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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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