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Observation Tower with Community Art Spaces in Natural Landscape

Author:
Charles Beck
Observation Tower with Community Art Spaces in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

The Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while integrating art spaces and visitor facilities designed to enhance interaction with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Observation Tower provides extensive views of the Kemeri Bog landscape.
02
Art Tower encourages community engagement through creative activities.
03
Integrated facilities include a designated camper's bathroom building.
04
Natural landscaping features extensive tree plantings to enhance visitor experience.
05
Exhibition Building showcases local biodiversity and educational displays.

The Visitor’s Center for The Great Kemeri Bog is located in Latvia's picturesque landscape. It serves a multifunctional role as a space for education, recreation, and exploration of the bog's unique environment. The design focuses on integrating the buildings with nature, encouraging visitors to deepen their connection with the outdoor setting.

Site Planning

The layout features distinct areas designed for different activities, facilitating a smooth visitor experience. A Camping Site and Park Entry Square create an inviting entrance. The Parking areas are designed to accommodate multiple vehicles, with space for four buses and around 100 cars. This thoughtful arrangement makes the center accessible for groups and individuals alike.

Functional Spaces

Central to the experience are the Exhibition Building and Info/Exhibition Building. These structures provide areas for educational displays that inform visitors about the rich biodiversity found within the Kemeri Bog. Additional facilities, including restrooms and a Camper’s Bathroom Building, ensure that basic visitor needs are met, contributing to overall comfort and usability.

Unique Features

The Observation Tower is a distinctive element, allowing visitors to gain elevated views of the bog and its surroundings. This tall structure serves as a vantage point that enhances the understanding of the local ecosystem. The design also includes an Art Tower and a Crafts Building that promote creative activities. A Play Area is incorporated to provide a safe space for families, encouraging interaction in a natural environment.

Natural Integration

Extensive Tree Plantings and landscaped green spaces strengthen the connection between the built environment and nature. These features create a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging visitors to explore and engage with the landscape. The clear pathways throughout the site guide movement from one area to another, making it easy for visitors to navigate and enjoy all that the center offers.

The design emphasizes a careful balance between functional spaces and the natural landscape of the Great Kemeri Bog. Each element is designed to enhance visitor engagement while promoting an appreciation for the ecological significance of the surroundings.

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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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