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Space Frame Façade with Natural Wood Elements in a Flexible Creative Hub

Authors:
Timothy Alatorre, Cullen Johnson, Daniel Torres, Jenna Fujitsubo
Space Frame Façade with Natural Wood Elements in a Flexible Creative Hub

Project in-detail

The innovative space frame façade incorporates natural wood elements to create a flexible hub for artistic collaboration and community engagement in Cesis, Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade employs a unique space frame structure that enhances natural light and views.
02
The project integrates studios specifically designed for a diverse range of artistic practices.
03
An indoor kiosk market emphasizes local entrepreneurship and community engagement.
04
Materials include 3form and sustainable wood selections that reflect environmental considerations.
05
Proximity to the Cesis Concert Hall fosters collaborative opportunities between venues.

The Mango Vinyl Hub is located in Cesis, Latvia, in an area that was once home to a tin-foil factory. It aims to breathe new life into this abandoned space by providing a cultural and creative center. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing the building to adapt to various artistic activities and community gatherings.

Architectural Concept

The design encourages a vibrant environment that supports artistic expression. By including spaces for art exhibitions, performances, and workshops, the hub aims to foster collaboration among artists. Its closeness to the Cesis Concert Hall forms an important link, promoting interaction between different artistic venues and enriching the local cultural scene.



Programmatic Features

The building includes several flexible areas to accommodate a range of uses. Among these are a community center and auditorium, studios for various types of artists, and dance studios for practice and performance. Additionally, technology spaces will serve the growing tech community, while an indoor kiosk market will highlight local vendors. Restaurants will round out the offerings, creating a lively atmosphere that draws in both locals and visitors.



Architectural Integration

Architectural integration is a key part of the design strategy, blending modern elements with the historical identity of Cesis. The façade features a space frame structure that complements traditional designs while introducing contemporary aspects. This careful balance maintains the area's character and creates adaptable spaces that encourage natural flows between indoor and outdoor areas.



Material Selection

Material choice is significant in shaping the look and feel of the building. The project includes 3form (Crystal Clear), Alder Wood, and Ash Wood. These materials were chosen for their sustainability and ability to create a warm, inviting environment. They support the hub's aim of encouraging creativity and fostering connections among users.



Exterior features play an important role in the hub's usability. Street lamps, benches, and bike racks make the space accessible and promote sustainable transportation options, aligning with modern urban design principles.

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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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