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Elevated Terraces of Wood and Steel in a Nature-Connected Visitor Center

Author:
Filip Teter
Elevated Terraces of Wood and Steel in a Nature-Connected Visitor Center

Project in-detail

The visitor center’s elevated terraces, constructed from wood and steel, provide panoramic views of the Great Kemeri Bog, facilitating an immersive experience for visitors to explore the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated terraces provide unobstructed views of the surrounding bog.
02
Constructed with a light-frame method to enhance environmental integration.
03
Features an outdoor kitchen designed for visitor engagement.
04
Restroom facilities are strategically located for accessibility without café entry.
05
Incorporates local architectural influences in a modern context.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia's Great Kemeri Bog, designed to be a starting point for visitors who want to explore the natural beauty of the area. The center aims to connect visitors with the landscape through its thoughtful design, which integrates functional spaces with an emphasis on nature. It includes an exhibition room, café, and outdoor facilities, all organized to enhance visitor experience.

Spatial Layout

The design features a clear spatial organization that makes it easy to move from one area to another. Important spaces like the exhibition room and café are complemented by outdoor kitchen counters and conveniently located restrooms. This layout supports visitor flow and makes it easier to access various features of the center.

Terrace Areas

Two terraces are key components of the visitor center, providing communal seating with views over the bog. These areas encourage people to gather, promoting social interaction and allowing them to take in the surrounding landscape. The terraces create an inviting environment that enhances the experience of being in nature.

Material Choices

The building makes use of specific materials as described in the project documentation. Wood is used in a light-frame construction, offering strength while connecting the structure to the natural setting. Steel sheet elements add both functional and visual appeal, giving a contemporary edge while respecting local architectural traditions.

Environmental Considerations

The design accounts for year-round use, ensuring comfort for visitors throughout different seasons. Practical aspects, like easily accessible restrooms, are thoughtfully incorporated, allowing visitors to stay engaged without needing to enter the café. One significant detail is the elevated promenade, which allows visitors to experience the bog from a higher vantage point, further deepening their connection to the environment.

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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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