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Vaulted Ceilings and Recycled Steel Embrace Natural Pine in a Scenic Community Hub

Authors:
Jesus Garrido valdivia, Madhusudhan Chalasani, Bharat Kumar, Vamsi Kundanam
Vaulted Ceilings and Recycled Steel Embrace Natural Pine in a Scenic Community Hub

Project in-detail

Recycled steel and natural pine converge in a thoughtfully designed hub, where vaulted ceilings enhance spatial openness and foster community interaction amidst a scenic landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled steel is utilized to enhance structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Vaulted ceilings create a spacious atmosphere and maximize natural light penetration.
03
Natural pine wood is used throughout, promoting local material use and traditional craftsmanship.
04
The building's layout encourages community interaction and seamless engagement with the landscape.
05
Large windows frame views of the forest, integrating the indoor and outdoor environments.
The architectural project, "Place of Passage," is designed as a functional hub within the rural landscape of Latvia. Its primary purpose is to serve as a welcoming space for both local residents and visitors exploring the surrounding natural environment. The design effectively integrates with the site’s topography, utilizing a horizontal form that aligns with the contours of the land, fostering a sense of connectivity between the built environment and the natural setting.

The project embodies a commitment to sustainability and local heritage through thoughtful material selection and an emphasis on communal interaction. The overarching design goal is to create spaces that promote engagement with nature while offering essential amenities, like bicycle stations and multi-purpose room facilities. The building aims to facilitate social gathering and collective activities, enhancing the overall experience for users.

Sustainable Material Choices
The architectural design incorporates several sustainable materials, significantly influencing its environmental footprint and aesthetic appeal. Charmed pine wood serves as the primary cladding material, offering durability and aligning with traditional building practices in the region. The use of natural pine wood logs for structural elements provides both authenticity and resilience.

Furthermore, the inclusion of recycled steel ensures structural stability while promoting sustainable construction practices. Double-glazed safety glass is prevalent throughout the design, maximizing natural light and minimizing energy consumption. This combination creates an inviting and warm atmosphere inside the building, encouraging users to connect with both the facility and the landscape outside.

Architectural Engagement with Nature
A distinctive feature of "Place of Passage" is its architectural approach to light and spatial composition. The design maximizes daylight through large openings and strategically placed windows that frame views of the surrounding forest, enhancing user experience. Vaulted ceilings contribute to a sense of openness and connection to the sky, while wider corridors promote seamless movement throughout the space.

The layout is intentionally designed to guide visitors through the building and the landscape, encouraging exploration and interaction with natural elements. This thoughtful spatial organization not only benefits functionality but also fosters a contemplative environment, allowing users to pause and engage with their surroundings.

For a more in-depth understanding of the "Place of Passage" project, including architectural plans, sections, and further design ideas, exploring the complete project presentation is highly encouraged. This will provide a comprehensive insight into the architectural strategies and principles that underpin this distinctive project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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