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Charred Wooden Shingles With Glass Façade in a Community-Focused Visitor Center

Author:
Akinari Hirose
Charred Wooden Shingles With Glass Façade in a Community-Focused Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and a transparent glass façade, the visitor center seamlessly blends sustainability and modern design to create an inviting space for exploring the ecological wonders of the bog.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center features a unique bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity while providing an aesthetically pleasing profile.
02
Charred wooden shingles create a distinct weather-resistant exterior that blends with the natural landscape.
03
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere while ensuring sustainability.
04
The layout includes dedicated outdoor gathering spaces that encourage community interaction and environmental appreciation.
05
Innovative natural ventilation strategies are integrated throughout the design to optimize air quality and energy efficiency.
The Great Kilmere Bog Visitor Center is a thoughtful architectural project designed to enhance visitors' experiences while offering educational resources about the ecological and cultural significance of the bog. This visitor center represents a refined balance between modern architectural practices and a deep respect for natural landscapes, all while fulfilling its primary function of serving as an informational hub for the public.

At its core, the Great Kilmere Bog Visitor Center is an invitation for exploration, connection, and education. The center provides essential services including visitor reception, exhibition spaces, a café, and interactive areas designed to engage guests of all ages. Emphasizing a seamless interaction with the environment, the design encourages visitors to immerse themselves in both the architecture and the surrounding natural beauty.

The architecture exhibits a strong, intentional interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces, with extensive use of glass allowing ample natural light to permeate the interiors. This design choice fosters an inviting atmosphere and views of the bog, removing barriers and inviting the environment into the visitor's experience. The integration of outdoor spaces, such as a kitchen counter and seating area, as well as camping facilities, extends the opportunities for visitors to engage more deeply with the site, reinforcing the visitor center's role as a community gathering place.

The project’s material palette has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of warmth and connection to the natural context. Key materials such as wood, glass, concrete, and steel have been selected not only for their functional properties but also for their aesthetic qualities. Wood serves to bring warmth and a natural feel to the spaces, while glass elements allow for transparency and a connection to the external environment. Concrete provides durability and stability, underpinning the various architectural elements that support the center's functionality. Steel components add structural integrity and a contemporary feel, helping to merge old and new design ideas.

The unique design approaches adopted in this project include an emphasis on sustainability and community integration. Environmental responsiveness is evident through the strategic orientation of the building and the choice of eco-friendly materials, which collectively aim to minimize ecological impact. The layout encourages visitor flow and interaction, taking advantage of the site’s natural attributes. The inclusion of gathering spaces acts not just as functional areas but as invitations for social connection among visitors.

A particular strength of the Great Kilmere Bog Visitor Center lies in its ability to blend architectural innovation with ecological sensibility. The design goes beyond merely providing a structure; it creates a place that encourages learning and appreciation of the bog's rich biodiversity. Visitors are invited to explore various exhibition areas that elucidate the complexities of the ecosystem, while the observation points offer panoramic views, enhancing the overall experience.

This project embodies a contemporary approach to architecture that prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and high-quality design, showcasing how buildings can respect and enhance their surroundings. As you explore the project presentation, consider delving into architectural plans, sectional views, and detailed designs. Each element showcases the thoughtful decisions made throughout the design process, revealing the myriad ways architecture can connect people to nature and each other.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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