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Corten Steel Façade Embracing Red Moss in A Visitor Center Experience

Authors:
Dmitriy Tarasov, Aleksey Orlov, Anna Gandrabura, Ekaterina Bakhireva
Corten Steel Façade Embracing Red Moss in A Visitor Center Experience

Project in-detail

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Great Kemeri Bog, a visitor center constructed with Corten steel panels and highlighted by a timbered gallery invites visitors to connect with the diverse ecology while exploring the unique landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel façade mirrors the colors of the surrounding red mosses.
02
Timbered gallery transitions smoothly into an outdoor wooden deck.
03
Perforated panels imitate the ditches and water features of the bog.
04
Roof design resembles a cut trunk, providing an amphitheater space.
05
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glazed areas.

The design located in the Great Kemeri Bog serves as a gateway into a unique landscape in Latvia. Drawing inspiration from the natural features of the bog, the project emphasizes the vibrant colors of red mosses, soft shadows, and the shapes of dark ponds. The building concept aims to provide an immersive experience that connects visitors to the surrounding environment, blending functionality with natural beauty.

Building Façade

The exterior of the structure features Corten steel panels, which are selected for their color and texture that reflect the natural elements of the bog. This material aligns the building with its surroundings, offering a rustic appearance that enhances the wild landscape. The panels have a perforation pattern that resembles the ditches and water bodies typically found in the area. This thoughtful design element creates a visual connection between the architecture and the ecological features of the bog.

Interior Spaces

Inside the building, a timbered gallery flows into a wooden deck, reinforcing the relationship between inside and outside. This design allows visitors to easily move through the space while connecting them to the natural environment. The interior includes partially glazed areas that let in natural light, brightening the spaces and creating a strong link to the outdoors.

Roof Design

The roof of the visitors' center has a unique look, modeled after a cut trunk using deck boards. This design serves multiple purposes, acting as both a roof and an amphitheater where guests can relax after exploring the bog. The shape invites interaction and offers a peaceful spot to pause and take in the views.

Crafting Experience

The approach to this design reflects a careful thought process centered on the specific location. It addresses the importance of spaces that honor the qualities of the natural landscape. The combination of materials, forms, and layout results in a design that enhances the overall experience for visitors while respecting the beauty of the Great Kemeri Bog. The attention to detail is apparent in the way light and shadow play through the space, contributing to an environment that invites exploration and appreciation of the bog’s unique charm.

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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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