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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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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

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