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Light-Enhancing Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Construction in a Nature-Centric Visitor Centre

Authors:
Andrew Daly, David Gan, Amelie Devaux, Rob Meyerson
Light-Enhancing Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Construction in a Nature-Centric Visitor Centre

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements create a seamless connection with the surrounding bog ecosystem, serving as a visitor centre dedicated to education and conservation in Latvia's Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while referencing traditional Latvian building methods.
02
Large glass panels enhance natural light and create unobstructed views of the surrounding bog.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels support a sustainable construction approach, reducing carbon footprint.
04
A bent A-frame design allows for a unique structural form that blends with the landscape.
05
The design incorporates lightboxes to maximize interior illumination and minimize energy use.
The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor's Centre is an architectural project located within the Kemeri National Park, Latvia. It serves as a resource for visitors to engage with the unique landscape and biodiversity of the bog while promoting environmental education and conservation efforts. This centre functions not only as an informational hub but also as a space for leisure, exploration, and community interaction, enhancing the overall visitor experience in this natural setting.

Architecture and Design Features

The design of the Visitor Centre emphasizes sustainability and harmony with nature. The structure has a low-rise profile, ensuring that it blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment. An extensive use of glass allows natural light to penetrate the building while providing expansive views of the bog and adjacent vegetation, fostering a direct connection to the landscape. The primary material used in construction is locally sourced timber, which reduces transportation emissions and aligns with the environmental principles of the project. Complementary materials, such as concrete and steel, contribute to the building's structural integrity while maintaining an aesthetic that is consistent with the natural surroundings.

The centre incorporates several functional zones designed to serve various visitor needs. Key spaces include an information gallery that educates visitors about the ecosystem of the bog, rest areas for relaxation, and a café that encourages social interaction. An observation tower provides elevated vantage points, allowing for immersive experiences with the landscape. Pathways leading from the car park to the entrance enhance accessibility and contribute to an intuitive flow throughout the site.

Sustainable Design Approaches

The architecture of the Great Kemeri Bog Visitor’s Centre is distinguished by its innovative integration with natural elements. The design strategically utilizes light with roof structures that include lightboxes, enhancing interior illumination without relying solely on artificial sources. The landscaping complements the architecture, prioritizing the preservation of existing vegetation to minimize ecological disruption.

Another unique aspect of the project is its emphasis on family-friendly features, including a playground and communal areas aimed at fostering community engagement. The design also incorporates educational exhibits that illuminate the ecological significance of the Kemeri region, promoting awareness and appreciation of the natural environment among visitors of all ages.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor's Centre embodies a cohesive relationship between architecture and nature, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement. The project effectively serves its purpose as an informational and recreational hub while respecting the ecological context of its location. For more details, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, please explore the presentation of this project for a comprehensive understanding of its innovative architectural ideas.
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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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