Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Illuminated Vertical Elements Enhancing Seasonal Huts in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Maria nohelly Jaime, James Mackey, Cameron Allen
Illuminated Vertical Elements Enhancing Seasonal Huts in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Illuminated vertical elements rise above a central clearing, enhancing the seasonal huts designed to provide immersive experiences within the unique ecosystem of the Great Kemeri Bog.
5 key facts about this project
01
Illuminated vertical elements serve as landmarks in the landscape.
02
Seasonal huts are designed for thermal comfort specific to winter conditions.
03
The transition chamber connects visitors to the earth and natural soils.
04
Movable features in the Equinox Hut allow for customizable experiences.
05
A central clearing emphasizes the interplay between forest and bog.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia and offers visitors a chance to engage with the rich and varied ecosystem of the bog. The design focuses on creating a setting where the architecture interacts with the changing seasons. With the concept of an "Immersive Seasonal Playground," the center aims to provide a space that emphasizes the beauty and complexity of the natural landscape throughout the year.

Seasonal Huts

A key feature of the design is a series of seasonal huts placed within a central clearing in the woods. Each hut is specifically designed to respond to seasonal conditions. The Winter Hut, known as "Heart," provides warmth and shelter for visitors during the colder months. It acts as a refuge, allowing people to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the bog.

The Equinox Hut

Next is the Equinox Hut, also called "Mind." This hut highlights the connection between spring and autumn. It includes flexible design elements that can be adjusted by visitors, enhancing their experience based on the weather. By inviting people to interact with the space, the Equinox Hut fosters a deeper relationship with both the architecture and the natural environment.

The Summer Hut

The Summer Hut, referred to as "Hand," serves as a bridge from the clearing to the forest. Its open structure allows for air circulation while providing cover under a protective canopy. Designed for larger group activities, this hut offers clear views of the forest, encouraging visitors to appreciate the natural beauty around them.

Illuminated Clearing

The clearing plays a vital role in the overall design, acting as a connection between the woods and the expansive bog. Vertical structural elements emerge within the clearing, and some are tall with illuminated tops. These serve as visual markers, helping visitors navigate the area. The gentle interplay of light enhances the experience, drawing attention to the landscape's natural features.

To access the visitor center, individuals enter through a transition chamber. This space is thoughtfully designed to connect visitors with the site's natural soil and ecology. It prepares them for their journey into the bog, deepening their awareness of the landscape’s ecological richness and the experiences that await them.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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