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Green Roof and Living Wall Visitor Center Embracing Local Wildlife

Author:
Kakha Chomakhidze
Green Roof and Living Wall Visitor Center Embracing Local Wildlife

Project in-detail

A green roof and living wall create a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape, while a thoughtfully designed interior showcases migrating birds, serving as a visitor center that promotes ecological awareness and engagement with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A green roof resembles the surrounding hills, enhancing ecological integration.
02
The living wall at the entrance symbolizes a connection between humans and nature.
03
Interior exhibition space showcases life-size models of 200 migrating bird species.
04
Strategic window placements provide constant views of the National Park.
05
The design incorporates local heritage through traditional Latvian sod roof elements.

The project is located near a National Park and focuses on blending the building with its surrounding landscape and local traditions. It serves as a visitor center, aiming to create a welcoming space that promotes an understanding of the environment and wildlife. The design concept emphasizes ecological care and interaction with nature, reflecting modern architectural ideals.

Green Roof Integration

The side of the building that faces the National Park features a green roof that resembles the nearby hills. This design choice enhances the visual appeal while providing important thermal insulation, which helps to lower energy costs. By incorporating elements of traditional Latvian sod roofs, the design connects local history with contemporary practices in sustainability, inviting wildlife into the area and maintaining ecological health.

Transparent Interaction

On the visitor-facing side, a glass facade allows for transparency, engaging occupants with the environment. This feature offers a clear view of the landscape, promoting an open and inviting atmosphere. A white concrete line links the main structure to the ticket booth, creating a flowing form that guides visitors through the site. This combination of materials helps improve the experience for users while remaining visually cohesive.

Functional Organization

Inside, the building organizes spaces like waiting areas, staff offices, and guest rooms. Each area is thoughtfully placed to provide views of the National Park, reinforcing the connection between visitors and the landscape. This layout encourages interaction with nature, allowing guests to enjoy panoramic sightlines that enhance their appreciation of the area.

Exhibition and Gateway Design

The corridor functions as an exhibition space dedicated to 200 species of migrating birds. Realistic, life-size models of birds are suspended in flight, adding an educational element and raising awareness about local wildlife. The gateway, marked by a living wall, serves as a clear transition point, welcoming visitors into a space where human activity and nature can coexist.

The interplay of the green roof and glass facade creates an architectural design that respects the surroundings while providing functional areas for visitors. Each element has been considered to enhance the experience, allowing for a deeper connection to the natural environment.

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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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