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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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