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Timber and ETFE Pavilion Blending into Wetland Ecosystem for Nature Education

Authors:
Antoine Béchet, William Guild, Louis De saint affrique, Thierry Syriani
Timber and ETFE Pavilion Blending into Wetland Ecosystem for Nature Education

Project in-detail

Constructed with glulam and ETFE, the visitor centre seamlessly integrates with the surrounding wetland ecosystem to enhance visitor engagement and education about the unique biodiversity of the Great Kemeri Bog.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using sustainably sourced glulam for structural integrity.
02
Features extensive ETFE skylights that enhance natural light while reducing energy use.
03
Incorporates a raised boardwalk to minimize ecological disruption in the wetland.
04
Design promotes biophilic principles, fostering a connection between visitors and nature.
05
The bent A-frame structure offers unique spatial experiences and visual appeal.
The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Centre is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed to serve as a comprehensive gateway to the Great Kemeri Bog National Park. This facility provides an integral space for visitors, promoting education, exploration, and conservation of the unique bog ecosystem. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration, showcasing how architecture can coexist harmoniously with nature.

### Functional Layout and Key Components
The visitor centre encompasses a range of functional spaces, meticulously planned to enhance visitor experience. It includes exhibition areas, viewing platforms, classrooms, and administrative offices, creating a multifunctional environment. The central hub encourages social interaction while providing an accessible flow for visitors. The raised structure minimizes ecological impact, promoting an educational pathway leading visitors through the surrounding landscape via a timber boardwalk. This design approach reinforces the connection between the built environment and its natural context.

### Architectural Integration and Material Choices
What sets this project apart is its thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape. The low-profile structure utilizes a combination of materials, including glued laminated timber for its structural components, Siberian larch for cladding, and ETFE skylights for natural light. This combination ensures that the building is not only sustainable but also aesthetically aligned with the regional character. The focus on transparency through extensive glazing enhances visual connectivity with the bog, inviting natural light while accommodating energy efficiency.

The materials chosen serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They contribute to the overall durability of the structure while resonating with the local environment. The careful application of birch wood and thermally efficient glass provides comfort and warmth within the interior spaces. These design details exemplify a modern architectural approach that prioritizes user experience while maintaining ecological integrity.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Centre, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and other relevant design elements that highlight the innovative architectural ideas behind this project.
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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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