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Elevated Pathways of Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating Natural Ecosystems

Authors:
Nichola Barrington-leach, Katie Albertucci, Chris Bisset
Elevated Pathways of Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating Natural Ecosystems

Project in-detail

Elevated walkways constructed with cross-laminated timber create a seamless transition through Ķemeri National Park's diverse ecosystems, enabling visitors to engage with the natural landscape while promoting environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated pathways minimize land disturbance while providing panoramic views of diverse ecosystems.
02
Constructed primarily from locally sourced cross-laminated timber for environmental sustainability.
03
Integrated interpretative signage allows for educational engagement with the surrounding nature.
04
The cantilevered design enhances stability and aesthetic appeal while reducing visual impact.
05
Features a permeable walkway system to promote natural water drainage and ecological balance.

## Project Overview

The Great Ķemeri Promenade is situated in Ķemeri National Park, Latvia, and is designed to establish a connection between visitors and the park's natural environment. The promenade aims to facilitate an immersive experience through carefully curated pathways, which provide diverse viewpoints while enhancing accessibility to the area's ecological features.

### Spatial Strategy

The promenade is conceived as a pathway that integrates into the landscape, minimizing physical intervention while allowing for direct engagement with the Ķemeri Bog ecosystem. Elevating walkways reduces environmental impact and creates distinct experience zones. Visitors navigate through four primary areas: beginning at ground level amidst the forest canopy, ascending to elevated platforms with expansive views, descending to the waterside for direct ecological interaction, and ultimately reaching a panoramic viewpoint that frames the entirety of the park.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) serves as the primary construction material, selected for its strength and sustainability. The use of local timber not only lowers the carbon footprint but also promotes regional forestry practices. Additional materials include perforated metal walkways, steel elements for structural reinforcement, and glass canopies that enhance light penetration while providing weather protection. Design strategies prioritize ecological balance by minimizing disruption to local wildlife and habitats, and the promenade meets accessibility standards, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.

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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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