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Translucent Glass Façade with Glu-Lam Structure Supporting a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Authors:
J. Michael Conard, Jihan Lew, Constance Sasso, Laura Boutwell
Translucent Glass Façade with Glu-Lam Structure Supporting a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

A translucent glass façade envelops a Glu-Lam structure, creating a versatile cultural hub that fosters community engagement and artistic expression within an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A translucent glass façade enhances natural light while creating visual connections between interior spaces and the urban environment.
02
The structure utilizes Glu-Lam wood, emphasizing sustainability and local craftsmanship in its construction.
03
Acoustic design elements are integrated into the performance hall to optimize sound quality for diverse programming.
04
The bent A-frame design not only adds aesthetic interest but also contributes to structural efficiency.
05
Community input shaped the design, ensuring that the facility meets the specific needs and aspirations of local residents.

### Project Overview
Located in Riga, Latvia, the design proposal for the Kip Island Auditorium aims to position the site as a key cultural hub within the Baltic region. The project integrates contemporary architectural principles with Riga's historical context, serving as a focal point that connects community values with wider cultural conversations. The intention is to create space that elevates the cultural aspirations of the area, symbolized through an architectural form that rises above the existing urban fabric.

### Architectural Form and Materiality
The design features a distinctive geometric structure that evokes organic forms, crafted from a lightweight metal framework. This design element not only introduces a sense of dynamism but also reinforces the notion of cultural elevation. The façade employs high-performance translucent materials that facilitate an engaging interplay of light and shadow, bridging the interior and exterior environments. Supporting rib frames provide both structural integrity and a connection to local architectural traditions, enhancing the visual experience.

The material selection emphasizes local craftsmanship and sustainability, with glu-lam wood used for the rib frames and interior panels, honoring Latvia’s woodworking heritage. High-performance insulating glazing maximizes natural light and energy efficiency, while custom metal and glass elements reflect both historical and modern craftsmanship techniques. Concrete is utilized in structural components, contributing to durability and thermal performance, thereby aligning with the overall sustainability goals of the project.

### Spatial Strategy
Configured over three levels, the design centralizes the auditorium to accommodate a variety of performances, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for diverse programming. Interior spaces incorporate cantilevered seating and innovative circulation paths that enhance user experience and promote interaction among visitors. This configuration supports the project's goal of fostering a collaborative cultural environment, encouraging both local and international participation. By intertwining elements of community engagement with educational opportunities, the design seeks to cultivate a vibrant cultural dialogue reflective of Riga's identity.

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

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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