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Elevated Timber Canopy With Panoramic Viewing Tower and Seasonal Community Spaces

Authors:
Poppy Palmer, Group Beckett 8
Elevated Timber Canopy With Panoramic Viewing Tower and Seasonal Community Spaces

Project in-detail

The elevated viewing tower crafted from local timber offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding wetlands, creating a multifunctional space that hosts seasonal community events and cultural activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated viewing tower designed to blend with the treetops for unobstructed landscape views.
02
Constructed using locally sourced pine timber for enhanced sustainability and environmental integration.
03
Charred wooden shingles used for exterior cladding, promoting fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Suspended walkways connect various spaces, encouraging exploration and interaction among visitors.
05
Multi-functional areas adapt to seasonal changes, hosting both summer festivals and winter markets.

The Kemeri Nature Palace is a multifunctional architectural project situated in the Great Kemeri Bog of Latvia. Designed to serve both community and environmental needs, this facility facilitates a range of activities tied to the local cultural landscape. Its architectural design blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature, using materials and forms that enhance the visitor experience while ensuring durability and sustainability.

The primary function of the Kemeri Nature Palace is to provide a venue for cultural events and recreational activities. The structure incorporates an extensive public space, serving as a hub for the annual Kemeri Festival during the summer and winter markets when the landscape transforms. This adaptability caters to seasonal variations, ensuring that the architecture remains relevant and functional throughout the year.

The building features a robust steel frame structure, allowing for expansive open interiors and flexible space configurations. The exterior is clad in locally sourced pine timber, reflecting the environmental context while providing a warm, inviting aesthetic. This choice of material supports sustainable design principles through its renewable nature and local sourcing, fostering a minimal ecological impact.

The unique design of the Kemeri Nature Palace includes a multi-level viewing tower that rises 20 meters above the landscape, allowing visitors to engage with both the architectural form and the natural vistas beyond. This tower not only serves as a focal point but also enhances the overall experience of the complex by offering panoramic views of the bog. The integration of suspended walkways connects different areas of the building, promoting discovery and interaction while providing alternative pathways for visitors navigating the space.

Another notable feature is the emphasis on accessibility, with careful attention given to ensure all visitors can engage with the building's offerings. This inclusivity underscores the project's commitment to community engagement and cultural programming, making it a viable space for various activities such as art exhibitions and seasonal festivals.

The architectural design reflects a sophisticated understanding of the landscape's ecological and cultural significance. The Kemeri Nature Palace serves as a resource for both locals and tourists, reflecting an architectural ethos that prioritizes harmony between built and natural environments. For those interested in exploring the technical details of the project further, including architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, reviewing the project presentation will provide deeper insights into its architectural ideas and execution.

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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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