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Charred Wooden Shingles and Rainwater Harvesting in a Visitor Center Design

Author:
Christopher Taurasi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Rainwater Harvesting in a Visitor Center Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a rainwater harvesting system, the design creates a sustainable visitor center that seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the roof design.
03
Features extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and views.
05
Preserves existing landscape elements to maintain ecological integrity.

## Overview

The Gateway to Kemeri is situated at the entrance of Kemeri National Park, facilitating a vital connection between urban spaces and the expansive natural landscape. The design aims to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and engagement with the park's rich ecology. By integrating natural elements into the architectural framework, the project fosters harmony with the surrounding environment while serving as a point of interaction for visitors.

## Material Selection

The architectural identity is strongly influenced by the choice of materials, prioritizing sustainability and functionality. Wood is extensively used for its ecological attributes and aesthetic appeal, providing a lightweight and sturdy frame that resonates with the forested context. Concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring durability and stability, while glass is incorporated to enhance natural lighting and offer views of the landscape, reinforcing the connection to nature. Metal elements, primarily utilized for structural purposes, introduce a contemporary aspect to the overall rustic theme.

## Spatial Organization and Climatic Considerations

The spatial layout effectively organizes functional areas, with public spaces positioned prominently at the front to encourage visitor interaction, while private and support areas are located towards the rear, optimizing movement flow. The design considers seasonal climatic variations through strategic placements of walls and openings, harnessing solar gain in winter and promoting passive cooling in summer. Features such as overhangs create shaded areas, enhancing comfort and reducing energy consumption.

Innovative roof designs incorporate complex geometries that facilitate rainwater capture and contribute to the site's visual character. The project preserves existing trees and applies biophilic design principles, reinforcing the interaction between built forms and the natural environment, ultimately enriching the visitor experience in Kemeri National Park.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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