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Gabion Walls and Pine Wood Blend in a Visitor Center Emphasizing Local Biodiversity

Authors:
Jose Lacruz vela, Naomi Njoki nyaga njonjo
Gabion Walls and Pine Wood Blend in a Visitor Center Emphasizing Local Biodiversity

Project in-detail

Gabion walls and locally sourced pine wood create a visitor center that immerses guests in the natural beauty of Great Kemeri Bog National Park while emphasizing the importance of local biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabion walls integrate naturally with the landscape while providing structural support.
02
Locally sourced pine wood enhances sustainability and aesthetic continuity.
03
Pathways encourage exploration through diverse ecosystems within the park.
04
Zoning separates practical visitor amenities from tranquil relaxation areas.
05
The observation tower offers elevated views of the bog's unique biodiversity.

The Stripped Landscapes Visitor Center, located in Great Kemeri Bog National Park, focuses on connecting visitors to the surrounding natural environment. The center highlights the local biodiversity of the Kemeri region and encourages people to appreciate and engage with nature. The design approach centers on a linear organization that allows for clear divisions of space based on function and visitor experience.

Circulation and Navigation

Paths throughout the center are thoughtfully planned to guide visitors as they explore the area. These walking routes traverse varied landscapes, winding through lush vegetation and beneath the canopy of trees. This design encourages people to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings, allowing them to discover the intricacies of the ecosystem as they move.

Functional Zoning

Spaces within the center serve multiple purposes, arranged with careful attention to their functions. Practical areas like parking, ticket counters, and restrooms are placed near the entrance for easy access. In contrast, quieter spaces designed for relaxation, play, and reflection are positioned deeper within the site, providing a peaceful retreat from the busy areas.

Material Integration

While specific materials used in construction are not extensively detailed, the design incorporates natural materials sourced locally, such as gabion walls and pine wood. This choice enhances sustainability and ensures that the buildings blend with the landscape. By selecting materials that resonate with the environment, the design seeks to create a visual connection between the constructed and natural elements at play.

The design culminates in outdoor spaces that invite visitors to explore and engage. These areas create opportunities for interaction with the landscape from various viewpoints, enhancing the overall experience within the park. The combination of paths, functional areas, and natural materials leads to a refined environment where nature and architecture coexist harmoniously.

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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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