Architecture project // Grass-Integrated Exhibition Hall Elevated by Timber Frames in a Coastal Bog Environment

Grass-Integrated Exhibition Hall Elevated by Timber Frames in a Coastal Bog Environment

Authors:

Pimrampha Saenyakorn, Cattlee Wattanasinpanich

Elevated 12 meters above the coastal bog, the visitor center integrates grass within its double-walled exhibition hall and utilizes local timber frames, offering a unique educational space that fosters connection with nature.

5 key facts about this project

Elevated design offers panoramic views of the coastal bog ecosystem.

Double-walled exhibition hall incorporates grass for natural insulation.

Local conifers are the primary materials, promoting regional identity.

Timber frames create a structural rhythm that mirrors surrounding trees.

Multi-level layout encourages diverse visitor engagement with nature.

General keywords

latvia visitor center kemeri national park exhibition space biodiversity nature conifers sustainability education landscape

Project specific keywords

bog timber frames double wall grass integration verticality

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia's Kemeri National Park, designed to enhance visitor interactions with the natural environment. Its architecture emphasizes a strong connection to the unique landscape of the bog. The center serves multiple functions, including exhibition spaces and educational areas, while promoting an immersive experience in nature.

Design Concept

The building rises six stories to 12 meters, allowing visitors to feel as though they are walking among the trees. This height offers expansive views of the bog and surrounding forest. The design is intended to blend with the environment, with upper levels that help visitors feel embedded in the landscape.

Materiality

Local conifers, primarily pine and spruces, are important to the construction of the center. Using these materials supports sustainable practices and creates a link to the local landscape. The combination of timber frames and glass creates transparency, allowing natural light to fill the space and connecting the interior with nature outside.

Spatial Organization

The facility is arranged into three levels, showcasing the patterns of nearby trees. This thoughtful design accommodates various activities, including an exhibition area, a café, and spaces for children to play. The layout encourages visitors to explore and engage with different parts of the center and its surroundings.

Exhibition Innovation

A notable aspect of the visitor center is the exhibition hall, designed with a double wall system that includes grass and a projector. This innovative feature displays information about Kemeri National Park, making the educational experience more engaging. The design of the hall reinforces the relationship between the building and the environment, enhancing the understanding of the local ecology.

Large eaves project from the building, providing shade and creating comfortable, sheltered areas that encourage visitors to linger and enjoy the landscape.