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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Canopies in a Visitor Center Embracing Ecological Design

Author:
Minyoung Kwon
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Canopies in a Visitor Center Embracing Ecological Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and seamless timber canopies, the visitor center is designed to enhance ecological awareness while providing essential resources for exploring the natural wonders of Kamen National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and fire resistance while providing a natural aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used throughout, promoting rapid construction and sustainability through renewable materials.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for optimal structural support while creating a dynamic visual relationship with the surrounding landscape.
04
Strategic glass placement fosters natural lighting and encourages a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for visitors.
05
The layout includes modular camping booths that blend into the park's environment, promoting longer stays and deeper immersion in nature.
The architectural design project for the Kamen National Park Visitor Center offers a thoughtful exploration of how built environments can coexist harmoniously with nature. This project is not merely a functional space; it represents a bridge between human activity and the surrounding ecosystem, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural environment of Lithuania. The visitor center functions as an essential hub for guests, providing critical information about the park's unique biodiversity and facilitating various recreational activities.

At its core, the Kamen National Park Visitor Center is designed to serve multiple purposes. It includes a ticket booth for easy access, an information center where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna of the park, a café that promotes social interaction, a playground for families, and essential amenities such as showers and camping booths. Each of these components is meticulously planned to ensure they meet specific user needs while encouraging longer stays in the park.

The architectural approach employed in this project uniquely blends form and function. The use of organic shapes in the building's structure draws inspiration from the natural environment, leading to a design that is not only functional but visually cohesive with its surroundings. Materials play a critical role in this approach; the primary use of sustainably sourced wood creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, while large glass panels enhance transparency, promoting a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Reinforced concrete and natural stone are utilized for their durability and to provide textural variety that reflects the rugged beauty of Kamen National Park.

One particularly innovative aspect of the design is the integration of environmental considerations. The layout of the visitor center was developed with careful attention to natural light and airflow, allowing for an energy-efficient use of resources. Overhead structures replicate the delicate canopies of trees, casting dappled sunlight onto interior spaces, which adds to the immersive experience for visitors. This design approach enhances not only the aesthetic quality of the architecture but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The modular construction seen in the camping booths exemplifies a unique design philosophy that seeks to blend human habitats with nature. By allowing these units to harmonize with the landscape, the project showcases a commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint, while encouraging visitors to connect more intimately with the natural elements surrounding the center.

The visitor center at Kamen National Park stands as an example of contemporary architectural practices that prioritize sustainability, functionality, and community engagement. It embodies the idea that architecture can serve not only as a shelter but as an invitation for deeper connections with nature. The careful planning and execution across various components ensure that visitors not only find utility within the space but also an enriched understanding of the ecological marvels that lie just beyond the walls.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the architectural principles guiding this project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that underpin the Kamen National Park Visitor Center is highly encouraged. The design reflects a compelling narrative that honors its location while serving the needs of its users. The project's richness becomes evident in the details, encouraging further investigation into this extraordinary architectural endeavor.
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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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