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Natural Wood Brown and Glass Facade Integrating Pathways for Ecological Awareness

Authors:
Natchai Suwannapruk, Krit Thienvutichai
Natural Wood Brown and Glass Facade Integrating Pathways for Ecological Awareness

Project in-detail

With a façade of locally sourced pine logs and expansive glass that invites the surrounding landscape indoors, the visitor center serves as an educational hub designed to deepen awareness of Kemeri National Park's ecological richness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced pine logs for cladding, enhancing the building's integration with the natural environment.
02
Incorporates large sections of glass to facilitate natural light and visual connection with the outdoor landscape.
03
Features an interactive educational exhibit on local biodiversity, engaging visitors in environmental awareness.
04
Employs structural insulated panels for thermal efficiency and rapid construction, contributing to sustainability.
05
Includes diverse outdoor spaces designed for communal activities, promoting family engagement and relaxation.
The project is an architectural design for a visitor center situated in Kemeri National Park, a space renowned for its rich ecological and cultural landscapes. This visitor center is envisioned as a pivotal point that embraces the park's unique environment while serving as a gateway for exploring its natural bounty. The overall representation of the project is one that bridges the gap between visitors and the natural world, highlighting both education and experience.

Functionally, the visitor center is designed to serve multiple purposes. It will include an information hub where visitors can learn about the park’s features and plan their explorations. Additional facilities encompass exhibition areas to display information on local flora and fauna, a cafeteria to provide refreshments, and restrooms for convenience. Outdoor terraces enhance the visitor experience by allowing individuals to relax while taking in views of the park's landscape. The incorporation of spaces like an adventure playground emphasizes family engagement, making this architectural project accessible to a diverse audience.

Certain important elements define the structure and layout of the building. The main building is organized around a central circulation path that promotes exploration and discovery, mirroring the experience of navigating through the natural surroundings of the park. This pathway not only facilitates movement but also encourages visitors to engage with various amenities seamlessly. The relationship between built and natural environments is further reinforced by outdoor spaces, including the Stepping Stone Café, which blends dining with an appreciation of nature.

The choice of materials plays a significant role in both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the design. The use of locally sourced pine logs for cladding and fencing resonates with the park's ecological ethos. Structural insulated panels are employed within the building envelope to ensure thermal efficiency, thus optimizing the climate control of the interior spaces. This consideration for sustainability is crucial, as it reflects a commitment to maintaining the park's environment while enhancing visitor comforts.

Unique design approaches embedded within this project include a strong emphasis on transparency, achieved through the extensive use of glass. This design choice not only facilitates natural light but also creates visual connections between indoor activities and the park's outdoor dynamics. Such a layout fosters a palpable sense of immersion in the landscape. The building’s contours are designed to respond naturally to the topography of the site, embodying a harmonized relationship between the structure and its environment.

Moreover, the commitment to environmental education is embedded in the architectural ethos of the visitor center. A dedicated area for forest conservation and biodiversity exhibits enables visitors to engage meaningfully with the ecological narratives of Kemeri National Park. This educational dimension enriches the visitor experience and encourages a deeper understanding of the park's ecological value.

By serving as a vibrant community hub, this project is more than just a visitor center; it is a facilitator of shared experiences and learning. The design thoughtfully considers seasonal adaptability, ensuring that the facilities remain relevant and functional throughout varying climatic conditions. As a whole, the architectural project reflects a careful balance of utility, sustainability, and aesthetic integration with its surroundings.

For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs that bring this project to life, a thorough examination of the project presentation is encouraged. The architectural ideas represented in this visitor center provide valuable insights into creating meaningful connections between architecture and nature, furthering our appreciation for the environment that surrounds us.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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