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Suspended Tree and Green Roof Create Inviting Visitor Center in Natural Landscape

Authors:
Vegard Elseth, Karlis Kukainis
Suspended Tree and Green Roof Create Inviting Visitor Center in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

The incorporation of a suspended tree and a green roof enhances the visitor center's connection to the surrounding landscape while providing an educational hub for exploration and community engagement within Gauja National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center features a suspended tree in the courtyard, emphasizing ecological connections.
02
A green roof system enhances biodiversity and promotes natural insulation.
03
Pathways mimic the flow of the nearby Gauja River, encouraging exploration.
04
Timber cladding is made from locally sourced pine, reflecting regional heritage.
05
The design incorporates flexible exhibition spaces to adapt to seasonal visitor needs.
The architectural project is a visitor center located within Gauja National Park, Latvia. This design serves multiple functions, providing a central point for education, information dissemination, and community engagement. The visitor center is integrated within the natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability and harmony with the environment. It is set to accommodate diverse visitor needs while showcasing the natural beauty of the park.

The project represents a fusion of architecture and nature, reflecting local traditions and ecological principles. The design encourages visitors to connect with the surrounding landscape through carefully planned pathways and gathering spaces that enhance interaction with the park. The structure itself features a circular form, allowing for unobstructed views and fostering a sense of openness and inclusivity.

Design Approach and Unique Features

The visitor center employs various innovative design approaches. The use of timber as a primary material highlights the region's architectural heritage, while the incorporation of green roofs aids in thermal insulation and promotes local biodiversity. The center also features a suspended tree within its courtyard, symbolizing the relationship between architecture and nature, and showcasing the commitment to environmental preservation within the design.

The pathways around the center are deliberately designed to mimic the meandering flow of the Gauja River, promoting exploration and engagement with the landscape. This intentional layout encourages visitors to traverse the site and appreciate the natural surroundings fully.

Architectural Elements and Functions

Several important components define this project’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. The visitor center's layout includes:

- An information area that serves as the first point of contact for guests, providing essential educational resources about the park.
- Interactive exhibition spaces designed to facilitate learning, community workshops, and events, allowing for adaptable use based on seasonal visitor traffic.
- Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces that support various activities, from group discussions to solitary reflection, further enhancing the user experience.

The comprehensive materiality employed—featuring pine timber, concrete walls, and steel elements—ensures durability while maintaining a natural aesthetic. This combination not only addresses structural needs but also reinforces the project's alignment with ecological values.

This architectural endeavor stands out through its thoughtful incorporation of symbolic elements and community-oriented design. By seamlessly integrating both functionality and poignancy, it offers an enriching visitor experience.

For further exploration of architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs related to this project, users are encouraged to delve deeper into the comprehensive presentation available. Observing the detailed architectural ideas will provide valuable insights into the innovative concepts that differentiate this project within the context of sustainable architecture.
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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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