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Charred Wood Exterior and Gabled Roofs: A Visitor Centre Embracing Local Materials and Cultural Heritage

Author:
Mikael Gustav Ludvig Junehag
Charred Wood Exterior and Gabled Roofs: A Visitor Centre Embracing Local Materials and Cultural Heritage

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood for its exterior and featuring a gabled roof design inspired by traditional Sámi structures, the Visitor Centre enhances cultural engagement while providing a functional space for education and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes snow load management.
04
Includes educational exhibits focused on local ecology and Sámi culture.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape.
The Vålådalens Visitor Centre is a contemporary architectural project located within the Vålådalen Nature Reserve in Sweden. This facility is designed to serve as an information hub for visitors and a community space that emphasizes the importance of the surrounding natural environment and local Sámi culture. The architecture reflects a strong connection to its context, with a focus on sustainability and functionality.

One of the core functions of the Visitor Centre is to provide a space for educational exhibits and community events. The design includes multipurpose areas for relaxation and information dissemination, creating a welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike. The building features large open spaces that foster interaction, allowing for seamless movement between areas dedicated to learning, relaxation, and exploration.

The architectural design incorporates elements that differentiate it from similar projects. The use of local timber signifies a commitment to sustainability, aligning the structure with the ecological values of the region. The roof design, modelled after traditional Sámi huts, incorporates a steep incline that facilitates snow management, a practical consideration in the area's harsh winter climate. Furthermore, the integration of large glass windows enhances the connection between the interior and the breathtaking outdoor scenery, reinforcing the visitor’s experience of the natural landscape.

In terms of specifics, the Vålådalens Visitor Centre emphasizes both cultural and ecological education. Innovative features, such as dedicated exhibition spaces for local wildlife and plant life, exemplify the project’s educational objectives. The design prioritizes the use of ecological materials, with untreated timber and corrugated metal prominently featured. This approach not only respects the environment but also connects culturally to the historic building practices of the Sámi people.

Visitors to the Centre will appreciate the practical functionality combined with a thoughtful architectural language. Attention to detail, right down to the finish of the surfaces and the strategic placement of windows for natural lighting, strengthens the overall experience. The project ultimately stands as a model for how architecture can simultaneously respect cultural heritage and respond to contemporary environmental challenges.

For a more detailed understanding of the design and its execution, viewers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements presented in the project documentation. Engaging with these materials will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas that shaped the Vålådalens Visitor Centre.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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