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Translucent Façades and Sustainable Timber Create Engaging Community Space

Author:
Elena Alvarez
Translucent Façades and Sustainable Timber Create Engaging Community Space

Project in-detail

Translucent facades crafted from innovative materials complement sustainable timber construction, creating a dynamic community hub dedicated to music and the arts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent facades allow natural light while maintaining privacy for interior activities.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a unique texture to the design.
04
A central plaza mimics a vinyl record, promoting community gatherings and cultural events.
05
Flexible studio spaces are designed for easy reconfiguration to accommodate various activities.

### Project Overview

Mango Vinyl Hub is situated in the City of Cesis, Latvia, designed as a cultural and creative space that emphasizes the significance of music and art within an urban context. The intention is to create an engaging environment that provides tangible musical experiences, countering the growing trend of digitized music consumption while promoting community interaction.

### Spatial Organization and Design Intent

The architectural layout revolves around a central circular plaza, conceptualized as a dynamic hub for events such as open-air cinema and live performances. This multifunctional area not only serves as an entrance but also facilitates social gatherings, enhancing the cultural exchange within the community. The building structure incorporates a blend of concrete and timber, offering durability while instilling warmth through natural materials. Its unique roof design optimizes natural light penetration and allows for the creation of usable terraces, fostering a connection to the outdoors.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices play a crucial role in the design's overall functionality and aesthetic. Concrete provides a robust structural foundation, while timber is utilized in the roof framing and interior elements, contributing a sense of warmth and reinforcing a connection to nature. Translucent materials allow daylight to permeate interior spaces, balancing privacy and openness. Furthermore, green roofs and permeable surfaces are integrated to support ecological sustainability, enhancing the microclimate around the building and promoting environmental responsibility.

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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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