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Wood Panel Structure Integrating Nature with Community Interaction

Authors:
Pierre-yves Fondecave, Carlo Donvito
Wood Panel Structure Integrating Nature with Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Constructed with wood paneling and integrating sustainable design principles, the museum serves as a community hub for engaging with local equine culture and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced wood paneling for enhanced sustainability.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that echoes traditional horse shelters.
03
Incorporates flexible workshop areas for community artistic collaboration.
04
Includes a central courtyard for activities and reflection.
05
Designed to promote engagement with local equine heritage through exhibitions.

The Omuli Horse Museum is located in the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve, an area known for its rich ecology and scenic landscapes. This museum focuses on local horse breeds while serving as a gathering place for community members. The overall design aims to combine art, culture, and environmental awareness, creating spaces where people can connect with both nature and one another.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the museum is to create a "third place," a welcoming environment where visitors can engage with the local equine culture. The layout features an open lobby that invites exploration and interaction. This area serves as the heart of the museum, connecting visitors to various exhibits and outdoor spaces. The design takes cues from traditional horse habitats, using circular and flowing forms to ensure a comfortable atmosphere.

Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is an important focus of the design. The project emphasizes the use of local and reusable materials to reduce its environmental impact. Elements like insulation and wood panel ceilings play a role in enhancing energy efficiency while maintaining a natural look that fits the surroundings. This approach not only improves the building's performance but also respects the beauty of the landscape.

Functional Spaces

The museum includes a variety of functional spaces tailored for different activities. Areas designated for art workshops and exhibitions are arranged to encourage collaboration and community engagement. The design allows for these spaces to be combined, accommodating larger events or gatherings. This flexibility supports the goal of the museum as a center for creativity and connection.

Future Development

Plans for future development highlight a comprehensive approach to expanding the museum's offerings. Upcoming phases will focus on renovating the West part of the ground floor to better support artist activities. Additionally, plans include creating residential spaces for artists and guest accommodations, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

At the center of the museum lies a peaceful courtyard, designed as a space for visitors to relax and reflect. This area invites contemplation and appreciation of the relationship between nature and art, allowing individuals to connect with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

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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

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