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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Visitor Hub Emphasizing Natural Elements

Author:
Liangchen Zhao
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Visitor Hub Emphasizing Natural Elements

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings while serving as an educational visitor hub for the park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced stone to enhance environmental integration.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to maximize natural light and views.
05
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote water conservation.
The Pape Nature Park Gateway is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project designed to serve as the primary access point for visitors to the Pape Nature Park. This structure is intended not only to facilitate visitor experience but to enhance engagement with the surrounding natural environment. Its design blends seamlessly into the landscape, creating a harmonious relationship between built space and nature.

The project serves multiple functions, including a visitor center, educational space, and retail areas. The building is strategically positioned to allow visitors to transition from the urban context to the tranquil settings of the park. It offers interpretive displays that inform guests about the park’s biodiversity and conservation efforts, fulfilling an educational purpose as well.

The architectural design showcases a series of important elements that contribute to its overall intent. The structure incorporates local stone and wood, emphasizing materiality that reflects the region’s natural resources. The use of expansive glass panels serves to connect interior spaces with the outdoors, allowing for natural light to permeate the design while providing unobstructed views of the park’s scenic landscape. The roofing system, which features organic shapes reminiscent of tree canopies, plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and functionality.

Considered unique in its approach, the Pape Nature Park Gateway integrates sustainability into its core design principles. The building includes features such as rainwater harvesting systems, promoting water conservation and reducing environmental impact. The architectural layout also facilitates airflow, contributing to energy efficiency. Another standout aspect is the community-focused design, which accommodates social interactions and supports local artisans through retail opportunities within the structure.

The overall design represents not merely an entry point to a natural area, but a place that fosters education, community, and a deeper connection to the environment. The thoughtful blending of architectural ideas with ecological sensibilities distinguishes this project in the realm of contemporary architecture, aligning it closely with contemporary principles of sustainability and environmental responsibility.

To discover more about the intricacies of the Pape Nature Park Gateway, including architectural plans and sections, visit the project presentation. Insight into architectural designs and their conceptual underpinnings will further illuminate what makes this project a functional and relevant addition to the park.
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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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