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Balanced Pathways Through Acidic Wetlands and Towering Reeds

Authors:
Umut Turkmen, Murtada Al-kaabi, Justin Vermeulen
Balanced Pathways Through Acidic Wetlands and Towering Reeds

Project in-detail

Rising above the landscape, the tower offers sweeping views of the acidic wetlands while winding pathways guide visitors through vibrant reeds and intimate moments with nature, creating an interactive experience within Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bunker design creates intimate viewing opportunities of wetland vegetation.
02
Tower structure provides elevated views while harmonizing with the forest canopy.
03
Pathways incorporate vibrant colors from local natural elements.
04
Visitors are guided through varied ecological experiences, enhancing engagement.
05
Benches are thoughtfully placed for reflection amidst the landscape.

"Journey Through Kemeri" is set in the expansive landscape of Kemeri National Park. The design focuses on connecting built structures with the surrounding nature, creating spaces that foster a genuine relationship with the local ecology. By leading visitors through a series of engaging environments, the design encourages exploration and a deeper appreciation of the unique features of the park.

The Entrance

The adventure begins at "The Entrance," where the architectural form signifies a shift from the outside world to the heart of nature. This area uses simple shapes to create a welcoming threshold. The entrance serves not just a functional purpose but also sets the stage for visitors to immerse themselves in the park's beauty.

The Bunker

Moving further along the path, visitors arrive at "The Bunker." This section features a descending pathway that brings them closer to the vegetation that thrives in the wetland's acidic conditions. Here, the pathway promotes an intimate connection with the plants. Benches placed throughout offer opportunities to pause and take in the details of the surroundings, such as the glistening morning dew and delicate spider webs.

The Sunken Path

"The Sunken Path" reveals a captivating contrast between bright red water and the natural greens of the reeds that border the area. As guests walk down into this section, they encounter a strong sulfur smell that adds to the sensory experience. The vibrant colors and textures draw attention and invite curiosity, allowing glimpses of various waterbirds and creating a sense of adventure within the thoughtfully designed route.

The Tower

At the end of the journey stands "The Tower," rising above the surrounding trees and providing a high vantage point over the forest. The structure mimics the outline of the trees, fitting well into the natural environment. Visitors can observe the park from this elevated perspective, discovering the complex beauty of the ecosystem while having a distinct reference point in the landscape.

The careful design of the pathways ensures a smooth flow throughout the park. They wind and curve, reflecting the natural shapes of the terrain. This attention to detail helps tie the entire experience together, enhancing the connection with the wetlands.

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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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