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Sustainable Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Zinc Elements for Multi-Functional Community Space

Author:
Ramla Benaissa
Sustainable Design Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Zinc Elements for Multi-Functional Community Space

Project in-detail

Cross-laminated timber and bright rolled zinc shingles define a multifaceted auditorium extension designed to enhance community engagement through a seamless blend of public spaces and exhibition venues.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a bent A-frame structure that enhances both aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed skylights, creating bright, inviting interior spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique, textured facade while improving weather resistance and longevity.
04
Public plazas designed into the landscape foster community interaction and connectivity with the surroundings.
05
Porous paving units and rain gardens support sustainable stormwater management while enhancing the site’s ecological resilience.
The Kipsala Auditorium Expansion in Riga, Latvia, represents a significant architectural project designed to enhance the existing Kipsala Expo Center. This extension aims to provide a multi-functional space that serves cultural and exhibition purposes. By incorporating modern design elements while respecting the character of the existing hall, the project successfully merges the new with the old.

The primary function of the auditorium is to accommodate a range of events, from large conferences to cultural performances. It expands the capacity of Hall 1, fostering community engagement and creating a versatile environment for diverse activities. The layout allows for flexible configurations, catering to various user needs with operable partitions that create adaptable spaces.

The architectural design emphasizes seamless integration with the current structure through a shared facade that promotes accessibility. This continuity is further enhanced by the rooftop design, which combines the new auditorium with Hall 1, creating a cohesive skyline that reflects the urban landscape of Riga. The inclusion of public plazas and green roofs invites interaction, encouraging visitors to explore the surrounding area while contributing to the ecological sustainability of the site.

The Kipsala Auditorium Expansion distinguishes itself through its innovative material choices and unique architectural features. The use of bright rolled zinc diamond pattern shingles not only provides aesthetic appeal but also contributes to durability and ease of maintenance. The incorporation of glued laminated timber and cross laminated timber highlights sustainability, utilizing renewable resources in the structural framework. Additionally, the design promotes natural light through skylights, enhancing user experience and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Another noteworthy detail is the implementation of porous paving units and rain gardens, which address stormwater management sustainably. These elements replace traditional pavement and foster biodiversity, making the project environmentally responsible. The strategic placement of glazed areas creates visual connections with the surrounding landscape, aligning the building with its civic context.

Overall, the Kipsala Auditorium Expansion serves as a modern venue that respects its historical setting while addressing contemporary architectural needs. Interested parties are encouraged to review architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas to gain further insights into this thoughtfully developed project. Exploring these elements will provide a deeper understanding of how the design achieves functional and aesthetic goals within the context of Riga.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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