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Grid Roof Structure With Transparent Facade and Sustainable Wood Elements In A Nature-Centric Visitor Center

Authors:
Georgios Kontominas, Ioanna Tatli
Grid Roof Structure With Transparent Facade and Sustainable Wood Elements In A Nature-Centric Visitor Center

Project in-detail

A grid roof structure complemented by a transparent facade and sustainable wood elements creates a harmonious visitor center that integrates seamlessly with the natural environment and enhances the educational experience of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles, providing natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design that allows for optimal natural light penetration.
04
Features interactive exhibits focused on local biodiversity to educate visitors about the park's ecosystem.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, promoting a connection between structure and nature.
The Great Kemeri Visitor Center is an architectural project located within Kemeri National Park in Latvia. Its design aims to create a seamless relationship between built and natural environments, embodying the concept of "Village into the Woods." This center serves as a hub for visitor information, education, and recreational activities, catering to both tourists exploring the park and the local community.

Functional Spaces and Design Approach

The visitor center's design incorporates several functional spaces, including exhibition areas, administrative offices, and recreational facilities. These spaces are arranged to evoke the imagery of a village, with buildings that reflect traditional Latvian architecture. The project fosters a strong indoor-outdoor connection through extensive use of glass, allowing natural light to penetrate the interiors.

One notable aspect of the design is the grid-based roof structure, which adds a unique architectural feature to the center. This roof not only provides shelter but also serves an aesthetic function, reinforcing the center's identity. The layout encourages visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape, integrating terraces and outdoor areas that promote interaction with nature.

Sustainable Material Choices

Material selection plays a crucial role in the architectural design. Wood, a principal material, emphasizes warmth and aligns with local building traditions. Its use throughout the interior creates a welcoming atmosphere. Glass elements enhance transparency and maintain visual links with the outdoors, while concrete is utilized for structural integrity.

Incorporating sustainability as a core principle, the project encourages environmental stewardship. The design promotes education through interactive exhibition spaces, highlighting local flora and fauna within the visitor center. This educational focus not only serves to inform visitors but also instills a sense of responsibility toward the preservation of the natural environment.

For those seeking deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. Understanding these elements will provide a comprehensive view of how the Great Kemeri Visitor Center meets its functional, educational, and environmental objectives.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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