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Charred Wood Cladding and Perforated Facade Create Sustainable Visitor Center in Mountain Landscape

Authors:
Abel Santos meeker, Maria Noga
Charred Wood Cladding and Perforated Facade Create Sustainable Visitor Center in Mountain Landscape

Project in-detail

A harmonious blend of charred wood cladding and perforated facades creates a visually engaging visitor center that educates guests about the surrounding mountain ecology while promoting sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a weathered aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while promoting sustainability through efficient material use.
03
The design features a bent A-frame structure, creating a distinctive silhouette that harmonizes with the mountain landscape.
04
Observation areas are strategically placed to optimize views of the surrounding natural beauty, enhancing visitor experience.
05
Geothermal energy systems are integrated to minimize environmental impact and support the center’s operational efficiency.
The architectural project "Convergence" presents a thoughtful and carefully crafted visitor center that integrates seamlessly with its mountainous surroundings. This design embodies a strong connection to the local landscape while serving both educational and recreational purposes. The project aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the natural environment by offering visitors a place to gather, learn, and experience the area’s unique geological and hydrological characteristics.

At its core, "Convergence" represents a dialogue between architecture and nature, highlighting the relationship between built spaces and their ecosystems. This visitor center functions as a central hub for educational activities focused on local ecology, conservation efforts, and outdoor exploration, ultimately striving to enhance visitor engagement with the environment. The deliberate layout and architectural details allow for various programmatic functions, including exhibitions, informational displays, and community events.

One of the most notable features of the design is its emphasis on materiality. The use of charred wood cladding not only complements the structure’s aesthetic but also enhances its resilience against the elements. This choice reflects a broader commitment to sustainable practices in architecture. Double glazed window glass strategically positioned throughout the building maximizes natural light while minimizing energy consumption, ensuring the center’s operations align with environmentally responsible ideals. Incorporating a steel framework allows for expansive interior spaces that are visually open yet structurally sound, lending flexibility to the project’s uses.

Internally, reclaimed wood adds a touch of warmth, balancing the contemporary feel of polished concrete floors. The combination of these materials contributes to an inviting atmosphere that encourages visitors to feel at home in the space. Perforated aluminum façade panels introduce an engaging interplay of light and shadow within the building, further connecting the interior experience to the exterior environment.

The project also features numerous sustainable attributes, including geothermal systems for heating and cooling, rainwater collection mechanisms, and wind turbines that provide renewable energy. These elements not only enhance the building's functionality but also serve as teaching tools for visitors, illustrating the potential of sustainable design in architecture.

Pathways leading to and from the center are designed to minimally impact the surrounding landscape while providing clear access for visitors. Curved boards gracefully wrap around the terrain, guiding users toward various facilities. The use of bridge and stair modules ensures that different levels of the site can be traversed easily, encouraging exploration and movement in harmony with the natural features.

The design incorporates observation areas that provide idyllic vistas, emphasizing the importance of connecting visitors with their surroundings. One particularly notable aspect is the tower component, which stands as a vertical extension of the building, allowing for panoramic views of the mountains and valleys that define the area. The ascent through the tower, with its winding staircase, symbolizes the experience of scaling natural formations, enhancing the visitor’s connection to the landscape.

"Convergence" stands out due to its holistic approach to architecture. It goes beyond simply creating a functional space; it fosters a rich environmental narrative that educates and inspires. The design acknowledges the beauty of the site while advocating for sustainable practices and thoughtful engagement with nature. The architectural ideas presented in this project emphasize the importance of local context and the potential of landscape-driven architecture.

By exploring the architectural plans, sections, and various design details of "Convergence," readers will gain a more comprehensive understanding of how these elements come together to create a cohesive and inspiring visitor experience. This project exemplifies the synergies that can be achieved when architecture respects and reflects its natural surroundings, inviting all to appreciate the beauty of nature in a meaningful way. For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural endeavor, the project presentation provides a richer exploration of its many facets.
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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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