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Rammed Earth Walls and Gabion Stone Elements in a Visitor Center That Emphasizes Nature Connection

Authors:
Vikrant Dalvi, Mahesh Thakur, Manjiri Paprikar
Rammed Earth Walls and Gabion Stone Elements in a Visitor Center That Emphasizes Nature Connection

Project in-detail

Rammed earth walls and gabion structures create a harmonious interface between built form and landscape, providing an educational visitors center that fosters a deep connection to the surrounding natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rammed earth construction provides natural thermal regulation and minimizes environmental impact.
02
Gabion walls incorporate local stones, enhancing integration with the landscape.
03
Solar glass windows maximize natural light while generating renewable energy.
04
The green roof contributes to stormwater management and biodiversity.
05
Outdoor kitchen facilities promote communal use and connection to nature.
The Great Kemeri Bog Visitors Center is an architectural project designed to serve as an entry point to the Great Kemeri Bog National Park. The facility aims to provide visitors with essential information, educational resources, and recreational opportunities while promoting environmental awareness. The overall design has been thoughtfully crafted to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, prioritizing sustainability and user experience.

A key aspect of this project is its duality of function. The visitors center serves both as an educational hub and a recreational space. The layout includes a reception area, exhibition space, outdoor kitchen, and play areas for children, catering to diverse visitor needs. This multifunctionality is achieved through a careful arrangement of spaces that encourages interaction and exploration, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding environment while enjoying the modern amenities of the center.

The structure is characterized by its use of locally sourced materials, underscoring a commitment to sustainability. Reinforced rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal performance and durability. Wood from nearby forests offers an aesthetic quality while minimizing transportation costs and emissions. Gabion baskets filled with local stone enhance the building's integration into its natural context. Concrete footings ensure the stability required for the various structures within the center.

In terms of unique design approaches, the Great Kemeri Bog Visitors Center utilizes a series of passive and active energy efficiency strategies. The installation of solar glass allows natural illumination while harnessing energy, significantly reducing the center's carbon footprint. Additionally, a green roof contributes to insulation and stormwater management, reinforcing the project’s ecological responsibility.

The spatial organization of the center facilitates a smooth flow of movement for visitors, with clearly defined pathways leading from indoor areas to outdoor spaces. Large windows and overhangs create visual connections to the bog, enhancing the user experience by inviting nature indoors. This thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape highlights the project’s emphasis on fostering a deep connection between people and the environment.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitors Center represents a harmonious balance between architecture and nature, offering a practical solution for enhancing visitor engagement with the Great Kemeri Bog National Park. For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, explore the detailed project presentation to gain further insights into this innovative architectural endeavor.
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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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