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Framed Views and Nativa Wood Spaces in a Wetland Landscape

Authors:
Badia Soffia, Lucas Prado besa, Macarena Freitag del Río, Daniela Hermosilla Ossa
Framed Views and Nativa Wood Spaces in a Wetland Landscape

Project in-detail

Combining framed views of diverse wetlands with the use of Nativa wood, the design serves to enhance visitor engagement in the ecological landscape of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Framed views highlight the wetlands from multiple vantage points.
02
Nativa wood provides local material connection and sustainability.
03
An open-pit gallery enhances observational opportunities for visitors.
04
Bridge B serves as a pivotal meeting point for pathways.
05
Design integrates educational elements about the local ecosystem.

The design in Kemeri National Park is situated west of Jurmala, Latvia, in an area known for its vast low-altitude forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife, including the protected Black Stork. Established in 1997, the park covers 381.65 km² and aims to foster a connection between visitors and the natural environment. The layout encourages exploration, inviting visitors to engage actively with their surroundings while appreciating the ecological significance of this unique landscape.

Design Concept

At the heart of the project is Bridge B, which acts as a key focal point where several pathways meet. This configuration frames the views of the wetlands to the south, allowing visitors to more fully appreciate the landscape. The bridge serves as a welcoming entrance, guiding individuals into the park while emphasizing the importance of the natural scenery.

An observation tower enhances the experience further by incorporating an open-pit gallery. This element promotes not just viewing but also learning about the local ecosystem. The design therefore aims to provide educational opportunities while prioritizing visitor interaction with nature.

Architectural Strategies

The geometry of the structure emphasizes simplicity, aligning with the natural contours of the land. This layout supports a more intuitive navigation of the park. The design showcases features that mimic natural forms, creating harmony between the built environment and the trees that surround it. This relationship allows for a meaningful connection between the architecture and the landscape.

The main pedestrian walkway functions as a gallery, leading visitors through framed views of the wetlands and forests. Along the path, seating areas and information panels encourage people to stop and engage with what they see. These details enhance the overall experience, making it easy to absorb the beauty of the setting.

Materials and Integration

In terms of materials, Nativa wood has been selected for its local availability and sustainability. This choice reinforces the focus on ecological considerations while helping to blend the structures with their natural context.

The observation platform offers a direct connection to the wetlands, providing a space for reflection and tranquility. This accessible design feature allows visitors to appreciate the environment and engages them in a more intimate way with the park.

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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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