Omuli Museum of the Horse

The Omuli Primary School first opened its doors on October 8th, 1936. Located in the small village of Omuli in Northern Latvia, near the Estonian border, the school was commissioned by then-president K. Ulmanis. Throughout the decades the number of students who attended slowly dwindled, with older students being transferred to other nearby schools.

[left] Ceremonial gate for the opening of Omuli School © From the collection of the Valka Local History Museum; [right] Omuli school construction © From the collection of the Valka Local History Museum

In the years that followed the structure was used as a post office, a farm office, an apartment, and a library, but has been unoccupied since 2013. In 2019, the property was sold to entrepreneur Eva Cildermane in the first-ever blockchain real estate transaction in Northern Europe.  Bee Breeders, in partnership with Omuli School, are calling for submissions to transform the structure and its surrounding property into a multipurpose complex with the primary attraction being a museum for horses. The museum will inform visitors about the nature and history of local horse breeds as well as offering hands-on workshops such as making your own horseshoe and other small crafts.
 

[left] Omuli School 3D model  [right] Omuli School site

The Omuli Museum of the Horse will be located within the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve, one of the most beautiful and scenic locations in Northern Europe which is listed as a nature conservation area of international importance by UNESCO. 



North Latvia Biosphere Reserve

The Omuli Museum of the Horse will look to become a regional example for green building practice. As competition winners will be put forward for consideration for construction, designs need to place a strong emphasis on sustainable, eco-friendly and cost-effective building techniques. Designs for the building complex in this competition need to include accommodation for visitors, an artists’ residence and, of course, the Museum of the Horse!

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 3 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected. Bee Breeders will award a total of 10,000 €  in prize money to competition winners as follows:

- 1st Prize - 5,000 €
- 2nd Prize - 2,000 €
- 3rd Prize - 1,000 €

- “Omuli School Favorite” Award - 1,000 €
- ARCHHIVE Student Award - 500 € + 50 € gift card at ARCHHIVE BOOKS (archhivebooks.com)
- Bee Breeders Green Award - 500 €

+ 6 honourable mentions


COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Closing date for registration: MAY 24, 2021 (EXTENDED)
Closing date for submission: MAY 25, 2021 (11.59pm GMT)
Announcement of the winners: JULY 6, 2021

More: omulimuseum.beebreeders.com

JURY:

Diego Baraona, DBAA - Diego Baraona Arquitectos y Asociados
Joe Martinolich, JMM - Joe Martinolich Architect
Meritxell Inaraja Genís, Meritxell Inaraja Arquitecta
Julie Nelson and Todd Poisson, BKSK

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English

Closing date for registration: MAY 24, 2021 (EXTENDED)
Closing date for submission: MAY 25, 2021 (11.59pm GMT)
Announcement of the winners: JULY 6, 2021

More: omulimuseum.beebreeders.com