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Thatched Gable Roof Blending Natural Surroundings With Community Engagement

Authors:
Kotaro Horiuchi, Yang Young, Soha Azzam, Sarah Abiad
Thatched Gable Roof Blending Natural Surroundings With Community Engagement

Project in-detail

The thatched gable roof of the visitor center integrates seamlessly with the Great Kemeri Bog landscape, providing a flexible community space that encourages environmental engagement and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The visitor center features an adaptable "Open Terrace" that transforms based on event needs.
02
Incorporates a traditional thatched gable roof, reflecting local architectural heritage.
03
Utilizes wooden construction methods that enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
04
Strategically designed gaps in the roof allow for abundant natural light throughout the interior.
05
The building serves as both an educational resource and a communal gathering space for visitors.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia, designed to connect visitors with the natural landscape of the Great Kemeri Bog. It serves as an informative hub for both tourists and locals, encouraging exploration and appreciation of the area's ecological features. The design revolves around the "Open Terrace," a central element that merges indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the experience for visitors while promoting community interaction.

Design Concept

The "Open Terrace" acts as a bridge between the inside of the visitor center and the surrounding environment. It facilitates movement and encourages social interaction among visitors, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. By integrating the building with nature, the design fosters a sense of locality and connection to the bog’s unique environment.

Adaptability and Functionality

Functionality is a key aspect of the design. The "Open Terrace" features adjustable openings, allowing the space to adapt to different activities throughout the day. This flexibility makes it suitable for small gatherings and larger events alike, meeting the diverse needs of visitors. A café with semi-exterior seating supports the center’s role as a community space, inviting people to relax and converse.

Materiality and Structure

The visitor center utilizes a traditional thatched gable roof supported by a wooden structure. This material choice reflects the local architectural style, giving the building an authentic character. The thatched roof not only provides visual appeal but also serves as a thermal buffer, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in varying weather conditions.

Natural Light Integration

Natural light is an important element of the visitor center’s design. Gaps in the roof structure allow sunlight to enter the interior, creating a lively atmosphere that changes throughout the day. This thoughtful design choice enhances the visitor experience and visually connects the interior with the exterior landscape, emphasizing the beauty of the surrounding bog.

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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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