Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sound-Reflecting Panels and Perforated Facades Creating Dynamic Public Spaces

Author:
Louis Massonnet
Sound-Reflecting Panels and Perforated Facades Creating Dynamic Public Spaces

Project in-detail

The use of sound-reflecting panels and perforated facades enhances acoustic quality while providing visual depth, creating a multifunctional space that serves as an exhibition hall and community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates sound-reflecting panels to enhance acoustic quality.
02
Terraces are integrated with the building to provide elevated views of the surrounding landscape.
03
Flexible partitioning allows for reconfiguration of internal spaces based on user needs.
04
Auditoriums feature a wooden structure for improved sound dynamics and aesthetics.
05
The facade utilizes perforated panels to filter light while maintaining visual interest.

The design brings together the natural landscape and structured spaces, sited on Kip Island amid the branches of a river. It combines various spaces intended for public and private use while emphasizing sustainability and flexibility. The concept focuses on creating positive experiences for users, maintaining strong ties to the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

The layout carefully separates public areas, like the large auditoriums and exhibition spaces, from private zones, which consist of offices and backstage facilities. The main auditoriums are designed with a raked floor, accommodating about 250 seats. They feature a wooden structure enhanced by sound-reflecting panels, providing good acoustics and visual appeal. Storage rooms and delivery areas are located underneath the auditoriums, maximizing space effectiveness while keeping public areas accessible.

Terrace Integration

Terraces are essential to the overall design, fostering interaction with the natural surroundings and offering elevated views of the landscape. These terraces create smooth transitions between inside and outside, encouraging visitors to engage with the environment. Sheltered areas for relaxation include kitchens and seating, improving the overall experience for both staff and visitors while highlighting the site's natural features.

Facade and Materiality

The facade includes glass and perforated panels to let in light and create visual interest. This choice aligns with the industrial heritage of Riga and emphasizes the commitment to sustainability. By focusing on thermal efficiency, the design aims to improve operation performance and reduce energy use, ensuring the facility is comfortable year-round.

Flexibility and Functionality

Flexibility stands out in the design, illustrated by movable internal partitions that allow for easy reconfiguration. This adaptability ensures the space can meet various user requirements, accommodating changing needs over time. The clear distinction between public areas and backstage components helps maintain operational effectiveness while allowing public access.

The staircase becomes a significant architectural feature with its visible metallic structure. It guides people through different levels and serves as a visual centerpiece, making connections between the diverse functions of the building easy to understand.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy