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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 Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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