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Roof Garden Inspired by Bird Wings in a Sustainable Visitor Center

Authors:
Chi-shan Chen, Ting Chen
Roof Garden Inspired by Bird Wings in a Sustainable Visitor Center

Project in-detail

The folded roof inspired by bird wings and a roof garden enhance the visitor experience at a sustainable center dedicated to observing migratory wildlife in Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Folded roof design mimics avian wings for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
02
Roof garden acts as an observation platform for wildlife viewing.
03
Local species like pine and spruce enhance ecological integration.
04
Sections dedicated to education and recreation promote environmental awareness.
05
Illuminated migratory bird graphics add an educational feature at night.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia and plays a crucial role for migratory birds during their journey to Africa in the winter months. It serves as a visitor destination where people can learn about local wildlife and the importance of ecological preservation. The design emphasizes sustainability while providing spaces that encourage visitors to connect with nature.

Site Organization

The center has been thoughtfully divided into five main areas: parking, camping, a children's playground, a coffee area, and grassy plots. This layout supports a range of activities and ensures that visitors can easily navigate the space. By creating separate zones, the design promotes interaction with nature while catering to families and educational groups.

Architectural Form

A key feature of the center is its unique folded roof, which is inspired by the wings of birds. This roof design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also plays a functional role in managing rainwater. The integration of a roof garden invites visitors to experience the landscape from a higher perspective, providing an opportunity to observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the surrounding Kemeri National Park.

Functional Zoning

The building consists of two distinct sections. The eastern portion contains ticket sales, restrooms, and shower facilities for campers, addressing essential visitor needs without complicating the visitor experience. The western side includes a café and information center, making it easy for guests to access resources related to the local environment. This division of space ensures that operations run smoothly while remaining accessible for everyone.

Natural Integration

The landscape design incorporates local plant species such as pine and spruce trees. These trees will be relocated to enhance the area's ecological value and create shaded areas for visitors. This approach allows guests to enjoy the environment comfortably while observing the local wildlife. Additionally, the design includes lighting that highlights graphics of migratory birds at night, serving both educational and aesthetic purposes.

The design encourages visitors to appreciate the natural surroundings and understand the ecological significance of the area, while providing essential facilities for a rewarding experience in Kemeri National Park.

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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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