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Living Roof Integration with Untreated Pine in Nature Education Center

Author:
Andrew Lane
Living Roof Integration with Untreated Pine in Nature Education Center
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The integration of a living roof and untreated pine cladding enhances the visitor experience at this nature education center, designed to immerse guests in the ecological richness of the Great Kemeri Bog.
5 key facts about this project
01
Living roof features native plant species to enhance ecological awareness.
02
Light tubes illuminate restrooms with natural daylight, improving energy efficiency.
03
Interactive children's wall displays oversized local wildlife for educational engagement.
04
Strategic window placements offer views directly into the surrounding bog landscape.
05
Untreated pine exterior is designed to weather naturally, blending with the environment.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in the Great Kemeri Bog, serving as an important point of access for visitors. The design focuses on the concept of an ecotone, which represents the area where different ecosystems meet. Through this concept, the center is made up of two interrelated buildings that use different roofing materials to reflect the various biomes. This thoughtful approach enhances both the visual experience and the interaction for visitors.

Reception Area

The Reception area is central to the visitor experience, offering ticketing and general information. Its design is welcoming, with a living roof that introduces guests to native plants found in the bog. Accessibility is a priority; there is a clear and inviting path from the entrance to the ticket counter. Campers also benefit from nearby public restrooms and showers that are easily accessible.

Public Restrooms

The restrooms are designed with practicality in mind. Light tubes are installed to bring natural light into both the shower and toilet areas. This thoughtful detail improves visibility and creates a pleasant atmosphere, while also promoting energy efficiency by using daylight instead of artificial lighting.

Discovery Center

The Discovery Center is located next to the Reception and is dedicated to fostering community interaction and education. It features a café, a children’s play area, and an interactive wall displaying local wildlife in larger-than-life images. The exhibition space has a higher ceiling and an open layout, making it suitable for a scaled model of the bog and its surroundings. Windows are positioned to provide views of the natural landscape, enhancing connections with the environment.

Camp Store and Souvenir Shop

Accessible from the Discovery Center, the camp store and souvenir shop have been placed to allow easy access for visitors. Their location helps reduce crowding in the main exhibition areas. The design maintains a clear relationship with the other buildings, supporting the center's overall goal to enhance the visitor experience.

The building materials include structurally insulated panels and cross laminated timber, which provide the primary structure. Interior finishes comprise architectural grade plywood, wood flooring, and wood veneers. The exterior features untreated pine, which is intended to naturally weather over time. This aging process will create a silver patina that blends with the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the connection to the natural environment.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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