Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Glulam and ETFE Pavilion Integrating Natural Landscapes for Educational Engagement

Authors:
Antoine Béchet, William Guild, Louis De saint affrique, Thierry Syriani
Glulam and ETFE Pavilion Integrating Natural Landscapes for Educational Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from glulam and punctuated with ETFE skylights, this visitor centre seamlessly blends with the Great Kemeri Bog's landscape, providing an immersive educational experience for nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes glulam beams for structural integrity while maintaining an eco-friendly profile.
02
Incorporates ETFE skylights that optimize natural light while reducing energy consumption.
03
Designed with a low profile to minimize visual impact on the surrounding landscape.
04
Features flexible interior spaces that adapt to various educational and community programs.
05
Employs locally sourced Siberian larch for cladding to enhance durability and weather resistance.
The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Centre is a well-considered architectural project located within the serene expanse of the Great Kemeri Bog National Park in Latvia. This visitor centre effectively operates as a gateway for nature enthusiasts and serves as an educational hub highlighting the unique biodiversity of the bog ecosystem. The architecture of this facility is a response to its natural context, blending functionality with a sensitivity to the environment, making it a remarkable example of contemporary architecture in harmony with nature.

This project embodies a philosophy of sustainability and connection to the landscape. By prioritizing visitor experience and ecological consciousness, the design reflects a clear understanding of its setting, inviting individuals to engage with the natural world. The Low-profile structure of the visitor centre ensures that it does not disrupt the existing landscape; instead, it creates an inviting space that encourages exploration of the bog.

The architectural approach incorporates several unique design strategies that enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the building. The layout features open communal spaces which facilitate interaction among visitors, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. These areas are designed to accommodate various activities, from educational workshops to casual meet-ups, ensuring that they cater to a wide audience with different needs and preferences. Furthermore, the exhibition spaces are versatile, allowing for dynamic programming that can adapt over time.

Materiality plays a significant role in the overall design and its relationship to the environment. The use of glulam, or glued laminated timber, offers robust structural support while maintaining aesthetic warmth. This choice creates an inviting interior that resonates with the natural elements outside. The incorporation of ETFE pillow skylights provides natural illumination, allowing daylight to filter into the space, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and thus supporting energy efficiency.

A keen attention to texture and durability is evident in the choice of fencing materials, including Siberian larch for the timber cladding and polished concrete for the flooring. These selections not only enhance the building's longevity but also ensure that the materials withstand the rigors of the natural conditions found within the bog. The building is designed to endure, carefully combining locally sourced materials that echo the surrounding landscape.

Furthermore, the fenestration is thoughtfully laid out to optimize views of the picturesque surroundings. The full-height glazing invites panoramic vistas, thereby creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. This thoughtful design creates a sense of immersion in the natural setting, making the architecture an integral part of the visitor's experience. The building's accessibility is also a vital consideration, with pathways and entrances designed to accommodate all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.

In essence, the Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Centre represents a harmonious blend of architectural innovation and environmental stewardship. Each design decision reflects a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that the project serves its intended purpose while remaining attuned to its natural surroundings. This visitor centre stands as an exemplary model in the field of architecture, incorporating contemporary design with deep respect for the ecological context.

This analysis highlights the core elements of the project while emphasizing its role as a facilitator of public interaction with nature. For those interested in delving deeper, it is advisable to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that encapsulate the project’s holistic vision and intentions. Engaging with these elements will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate architectural ideas that define this visitor centre.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy