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Hexagonal Green Roof Structure Utilizing Local Timber for Biodiversity Education and Recreation

Author:
Keisuke Horibe
Hexagonal Green Roof Structure Utilizing Local Timber for Biodiversity Education and Recreation

Project in-detail

Incorporating a hexagonal design and a green roof composed of local timber, the structure serves as an educational hub focused on biodiversity awareness and community recreation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a hexagonal layout that optimizes spatial efficiency and natural light.
02
A green roof enhances biodiversity while contributing to insulation and rainwater management.
03
Local timber is used throughout, reinforcing sustainability and reducing transportation emissions.
04
The design incorporates multifunctional toolboxes that adapt to various user needs.
05
Cascading eaves direct rainwater for collection, integrating functional systems with aesthetic elements.

The Pape Nature Gateway project, located in Latvia’s Pape Nature Park, serves as a multifunctional architectural space that engages visitors in both natural and recreational activities. This design emphasizes the coexistence of the built environment with its natural surroundings, effectively functioning as a gateway for visitors to explore the park’s rich biodiversity. The structure not only accommodates various community events but also provides essential user facilities, ensuring a holistic experience in nature.

The architecture incorporates a hexagonal form that mirrors the natural contours of the landscape. The building's roof consists of seven triangular elements, facilitating a dynamic interaction of light and shadow, and providing aesthetic resonance with nearby topography. This thoughtful geometric approach enhances the visual and spatial experience for users.

The facade combines glass and local timber, allowing ample natural light while maintaining a strong connection to the environment. This transparency is complemented by the use of a green roof that integrates vegetation, further enhancing the structure’s ecological role. The vegetative cover addresses ecological concerns, such as rainwater management and temperature regulation, while promoting biodiversity.

Functional zones within the Pape Nature Gateway include a visitor reception area, an outdoor kitchen, and multifunctional toolboxes. The reception area serves as the first point of contact for visitors, providing essential information and guidance. The outdoor kitchen is strategically positioned under the eaves, enhancing amenities for campers and creating a culinary experience in nature. The toolbox structures are versatile spaces that cater to various needs, such as storage and sanitation, thereby maximizing the utility of limited space.

One unique aspect of this architectural design is its adaptability to the surrounding environment. The circular design of multifunctional areas allows for easy engagement with the park’s landscape, encouraging visitors to interact with the natural habitat. Additionally, the combination of sustainable practices—such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy utilization—demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact.

The Pape Nature Gateway embodies an architectural philosophy that emphasizes the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. The design serves as a platform for education and recreation within the natural setting, enriching the user experience while fostering a connection to the ecology of the region.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding of the Pape Nature Gateway project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas will provide deeper insights into its functional and aesthetic details. This project exemplifies how architecture can operate symbiotically with nature, promoting sustainability and community involvement.

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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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