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Slanted Roof Design Featuring Untreated Pine and Asymmetrical Window Assemblies in Eco-Friendly Visitors Center

Authors:
Gorana Savic, Mario Kupcevsky
Slanted Roof Design Featuring Untreated Pine and Asymmetrical Window Assemblies in Eco-Friendly Visitors Center

Project in-detail

The design incorporates slanted roofs and asymmetrical window arrangements clad in untreated pine, creating a harmonious connection to the surrounding landscape while serving as a functional visitor center for ecological education and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with untreated pine to blend with the forest environment.
02
Features a slanted roof design optimized for rainwater management.
03
Asymmetrical windows enhance natural lighting and landscape views.
04
Indoor play area promotes interaction with ecological themes.
05
Outdoor terraces provide observational spaces within the bog landscape.
The Great Kemeri Bog Visitors Center is located within the ecologically diverse landscape of Kemeri National Park in Latvia. This architectural project serves as an information hub for visitors exploring the rich natural environment, reflecting a commitment to sustainable design practices. Its primary function is to enhance visitor engagement with the surrounding bog landscape while providing necessary amenities and educational resources.

The building is organized into distinct functional zones, including an entrance area, café, exhibition space, and an indoor play area. A centralized communal space fosters interaction, allowing visitors to gather and share experiences. The architectural layout ensures accessibility throughout the structure, promoting an inclusive environment. The plan optimizes natural light and ventilation, enhancing comfort and diminishing reliance on artificial systems.

One notable aspect of this project is its materiality. The use of untreated pine timber for the façade exemplifies a sustainable approach, as it integrates seamlessly with the surrounding forest. This choice of material allows for weathering, creating a dynamic visual quality over time that connects the structure aesthetically to its environment. The interior spaces feature plywood and concrete finishes, presenting a straightforward but refined aesthetic that resonates with the natural context.

The roof design is particularly significant. It incorporates slanted forms for effective rainwater management and snow load handling, highlighting a functional aspect of the design. Asymmetrical windows and glass façades create a visual symmetry with the surrounding landscape, encouraging continual interaction between the interior spaces and the natural world outside. This integration extends to outdoor terraces that provide additional engagement opportunities, enhancing the visitor experience.

Distinct design features set this project apart from conventional visitor centers. The architectural concept emphasizes environmental integration and sustainability while promoting community dialogue. Multiple entrances facilitate accessibility and create welcoming transitions from the outside to the inside. This innovative approach reinforces the project's role as a gathering space for educational and ecological exchange.

For those interested in architectural designs and concepts, exploring the Great Kemeri Bog Visitors Center in-depth can provide valuable insights into its architectural plans and sections. Engaging with these elements will offer a comprehensive understanding of how this project merges functionality with affordability while respecting and enhancing the natural environment in which it sits.
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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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