Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Curved Canopies and Corten Steel Standouts Integrate Nature and Functionality in Sustainable Visitor Facility

Authors:
Chi-shan Chen, Ting Chen
Curved Canopies and Corten Steel Standouts Integrate Nature and Functionality in Sustainable Visitor Facility

Project in-detail

With its gracefully curved canopies crafted from Corten steel and locally sourced pinewood, the visitor center offers a harmonious blend of modern design and environmental consciousness, providing an engaging platform for learning about the unique biodiversity of the Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof garden provides a natural observation deck, enhancing visitor engagement with the surrounding landscape.
02
Curved canopies made from Corten steel create a unique visual identity while ensuring durable weather resistance.
03
Extensive use of locally sourced pinewood fosters regional identity while minimizing the project's carbon footprint.
04
An integrated rainwater harvesting system promotes sustainability and conservation within the visitor center's operational framework.
05
The design seamlessly incorporates existing forest elements, creating a harmonious connection with the natural environment.
The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center stands as a notable architectural project located in the picturesque landscape of Latvia's Kemeri National Park. This facility serves a multifaceted purpose, primarily acting as a hub for education and observation focused on the rich biodiversity of the area, particularly its native avian species. The design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding environment, emphasizing sustainability and ecological awareness while providing visitors with a unique space to connect with nature.

In conceptualizing the architecture, the designers employed a theme of migration to reflect the journey undertaken by migratory birds. This overarching concept is conveyed through the structure's distinctive roof, reminiscent of bird wings, which not only serves an aesthetic function but also enhances the facility's connection to its natural context. The visual language of the building is rooted in the idea of fluidity and movement, representing both the physical act of migration and the experience of the visitors themselves as they move through the space.

The visitor center's function is fundamentally educational, offering a range of facilities that cater to both recreational and informative pursuits. Inside, the layout is organized to encourage exploration and interaction, with dedicated spaces for information dissemination and exhibition. This includes an information center where guests can learn about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the significance of wetland ecosystems. The inclusion of interactive exhibits aims to engage visitors of all ages, promoting a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.

An important aspect of this project is its thoughtful use of materials. Employing locally sourced pinewood and spruce, the construction highlights a commitment to sustainability while respecting the region’s architectural heritage. Extensive use of glass further enhances the design, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and filling the interior with natural light. Additionally, Corten steel plays a role in providing durability, ensuring that the building withstands the elements while adding a modern contrast to the natural materials.

The architectural design goes beyond functionality to create a community-centric environment. Outdoor areas are thoughtfully integrated into the site, featuring a playground for children under the natural canopy provided by existing trees. This aspect of the design invites families to engage with the landscape, blurring the lines between built and natural environments. Furthermore, a rainwater harvesting system reflects the project’s ecological ethos, promoting water conservation and responsible management of resources.

A unique characteristic of the Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is its green roof, which serves multiple purposes. Not only does it enhance the building's thermal performance, but it also adds to the biodiversity in the area, supporting various plant species and providing additional habitats for wildlife. The roof garden offers visitors an interactive space from which they can observe their surroundings, further enhancing their connection to the landscape.

Overall, the Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center exemplifies a comprehensive approach to architectural design, where the synthesis of form, function, and environmental consciousness yields a facility that serves both educational and recreational purposes. The carefully considered elements of the design reflect the goals of promoting biodiversity while fostering a sense of community engagement. Visitors are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a more profound appreciation of this project and its thoughtful integration within its natural setting.
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