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Elevated Timber Structure Embracing Natural Landscapes

Author:
Phill Mashabane
Elevated Timber Structure Embracing Natural Landscapes
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Elevated above the terrain to respect local flora and fauna, this visitor center utilizes timber shingles and panoramic views to create an interactive space for education and recreation within Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes impact on local flora and fauna.
02
Timber shingles enhance integration with the surrounding landscape.
03
Design includes panoramic viewing areas for immersive experiences.
04
Modular construction allows for flexible future expansions.
05
Natural heating strategies ensure year-round visitor comfort.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located within Kemeri National Park in Latvia. It enhances the visitor experience by serving multiple purposes, including education and recreation, while fostering a strong connection to the natural environment. This design emphasizes transitional spaces that lift the structure above the landscape, considering the local flora and fauna. The design encourages visitors to engage with the park through various access points and activities.

Spatial Organization
The building features a network of intersecting nodes, allowing for easy movement between different areas. These carefully arranged spaces support public engagement as well as quiet reflection. Visitors can navigate through exhibitions and cafes while enjoying views of the natural surroundings. The circulation paths direct users through the center, helping them connect with the beauty of the park.

Climatic Responsiveness
Design elements incorporate strategies for natural heating to ensure comfort in cooler conditions. The layout optimizes views of the landscape while balancing sunlight to provide warmth and light. This approach makes it suitable for year-round use, encouraging visitors to enjoy the center regardless of the season. Comfortable spaces promote exploration and interaction with the exhibits and facilities.

Materiality
The building reflects local architectural styles, primarily using timber for its structure. It is finished with dark timber shingles, which matches the natural setting. This choice allows the visitor center to integrate well into the landscape while also emphasizing sustainable practices. The materials contribute to the overall feel of the park and enhance the connection visitors have with their surroundings.

The modular design allows for future adjustments, adapting to the specific needs of the site without disrupting current activities. Flexibility is key to ensuring that the center can grow and change alongside the community. Design features, such as strategically positioned seating areas that offer views of the bog, invite moments of pause and contemplation. Each detail aims to enrich the experience for all who come to visit.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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