Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cultural hub featuring cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles nestled in a natural landscape

Authors:
Poppy Palmer, Group Beckett 8
Cultural hub featuring cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles nestled in a natural landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled within the serene landscape of Kemeri Bog, this cultural hub seamlessly integrates an exposed steel frame with locally-sourced pine and charred wooden shingles, creating adaptable spaces that celebrate seasonal events and foster community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The building incorporates an exposed steel frame that allows for expansive views of the surrounding Kemeri Bog ecosystem.
02
Locally sourced pine is used extensively for cladding, reinforcing the project’s commitment to regional materials and sustainability.
03
A unique bent A-frame design provides structural efficiency while creating visually dynamic interior spaces.
04
Modular spaces within the facility can be easily reconfigured to accommodate various community events throughout the year.
05
Charred wooden shingles are utilized on the façade, offering both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against the elements.
The Kemeri Nature Palace is an architectural project designed to create a dynamic and functional space within the scenic landscape of Kemeri Bog in Latvia. This facility represents a thoughtful approach to integrating architecture with the natural environment, offering a setting that embraces both community engagement and ecological sensitivity. The design anticipates the varying needs of visitors throughout the year, transforming the facility to accommodate both summer festivals and winter markets with ease.

Functionally, the Nature Palace is intended to serve as a cultural hub where community members and visitors can converge to experience art, food, and recreational activities. During the summer, the project hosts festivals celebrating local traditions and gastronomy, while in winter, it adapts to a festive market atmosphere with seasonal attractions such as ice skating. The building’s versatility is a key aspect of its design, allowing it to flexibly cater to different events and activities, thereby enhancing its relevance to the local community.

One of the project’s notable architectural features is its structural design, which employs an exposed steel frame rising to a height of 20 meters. This elevation offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the forest canopy, creating a visual dialogue between the interior spaces and the surrounding nature. The graceful integration of the steel framework with locally sourced timber facades exemplifies a careful consideration of materiality. Using timber not only aligns with sustainability goals but also visually connects the structure to the picturesque pine forest that envelops it.

In discussing the specific components of the Nature Palace, the ground floor functions as a welcoming area, featuring a café and outdoor terraces. This ground-level design encourages interaction, serving as a meeting point for visitors and local residents alike. The project plans include modular spaces that can be adapted as needed to host workshops, exhibitions, and community activities, ensuring that the facility meets the evolving needs of its users.

Above the ground floor, the design incorporates elevated viewing platforms, stairs, and walkways that invite exploration and create a sense of discovery. These connections across different levels enhance the visitor experience, allowing for seamless movement both within and around the building. The multi-level layout effectively encourages visitors to engage with the landscape, fostering an appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding them.

One of the unique aspects of the Kemeri Nature Palace lies in its commitment to environmental harmony. The design prioritizes frontal views and organizational strategies that allow for maximum exposure to natural light while minimizing environmental impact. This approach not only enhances the functional performance of the building but also contributes positively to the local ecosystem by promoting biodiversity and respecting the native landscape.

In summary, the Kemeri Nature Palace stands as a well-considered architectural project that strives to balance community needs with environmental stewardship. Its innovative design approaches, from the use of sustainable materials to the adaptability of spaces, showcase a comprehensive understanding of the role architecture plays in enhancing both the cultural and natural environment. For those interested in diving deeper into the intricate details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, there is much to explore in the project presentation. Gaining further insights into these elements can provide a more profound understanding of how the Kemeri Nature Palace embodies the principles of thoughtful architecture while serving as a vital community asset.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy