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Embedded Nature with Rainwater Management and Wooden Boardwalks Creating an Inviting Visitor Experience

Author:
Alvaro Novas filgueira
Embedded Nature with Rainwater Management and Wooden Boardwalks Creating an Inviting Visitor Experience

Project in-detail

Set within the lush environment of Kemeri National Park, the visitor center integrates an elliptical courtyard, wooden boardwalks, and rainwater management systems to create a thoughtful space for education and recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design enhances natural light penetration throughout the center.
02
Wooden boardwalks connect various functional areas, promoting outdoor engagement.
03
Rainwater management integrated into the landscape supports local ecology.
04
Natural playground features a pond mimicking the park's bogs for educational play.
05
The campsite allows visitors to immerse themselves overnight in the park environment.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in the rich landscape of Kemeri National Park in Latvia. It is designed to enhance visitor experiences while highlighting the natural beauty of the area. The concept centers around a simple form that fits well with the surrounding environment, bringing attention to the nearby forest. The center functions as an entry point to the national park and serves as a place for learning and recreation.

Design Concept
The building features a rhombus shape with a central elliptical courtyard. This layout encourages an organized flow of movement, allowing visitors to navigate the space easily. There is a clear connection between the indoor and outdoor areas, inviting people to interact with nature and explore the environment surrounding the center.

Site Organization
The site is carefully divided into different zones. On the Northeast side, a tree-covered parking area uses gravel and reinforced turf to help rainwater return to the ground, supporting local ecology. Visitors approach the center by walking along wooden boardwalks that lead from the parking area to a welcome garden. Here, a piece of art inspired by the natural surroundings adds to the overall experience.

Visitor Amenities
Public facilities are an essential aspect of the design. There are several picnic areas, which provide space for families and groups to gather and enjoy meals outdoors. A natural playground is included for children, featuring a pond that resembles the park's bogs, along with climbing structures that encourage exploration. Additionally, a small campsite allows overnight visitors to immerse themselves in the forest experience.

Interior Features
Inside the Visitor Center, large windows allow ample natural light to fill the space, creating a bright and open atmosphere. The multifunctional area within the center can host exhibitions, classes, and community events, making it adaptable for various activities. This flexibility ensures that the center meets the diverse needs of its visitors while promoting community engagement.

The use of local materials, such as double-pane insulated glazing in the facade, supports sustainable practices and strengthens the connection to the landscape. The design respects the ecological context of the site, allowing nature to be a key part of the overall visitor experience.

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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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