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Timber Frame Pavilions Emphasizing Vertical Elevation in a Natural Setting

Authors:
Dominik Stangl, Rupert Amann
Timber Frame Pavilions Emphasizing Vertical Elevation in a Natural Setting
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Large, ceiling-high windows frame views of Kemeri Bog while timber frame pavilions provide distinct functional spaces for visitors to explore the area's natural biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Large, ceiling-high windows enhance natural light and connect indoor spaces with outdoor views.
02
The design features a series of timber frame pavilions organized around two axial divisions.
03
Vertical elevation creates a visually lighter composition that references the adjacent Great Kemeri Boardwalk.
04
Constructed wetlands manage gray water, emphasizing sustainability within the site design.
05
Private camping areas are strategically isolated from public spaces, enhancing visitor comfort.

The Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located within the unique ecological landscape of the Kemeri Bog, designed to improve visitor experiences. It functions as a gateway to the area's biodiversity. The design focuses on an organized structure that divides the site into public and private areas, facilitating movement and interaction with the natural surroundings.

Design Organization

The project is structured around two main axes that define different functional spaces. The first axis includes essential features like car and bus parking, a camping site, and an open terrace, all positioned to welcome visitors effectively. The second axis is dedicated to building structures, elevated construction, and open spaces that encourage exploration of the bog. This intentional layout enhances visitor engagement while maintaining connections to the local landscape.

Functional Areas

The design includes several pavilions, each serving different purposes. These contain an information and ticket center, a café bar with kitchen facilities, and an exhibition area that integrates a souvenir shop. The interconnected pavilions are aligned along the designated axes, which makes them easy to access. Separating public and private areas contributes to a comfortable atmosphere for visitors, allowing them to enjoy their time in the center.

Construction and Materiality

Construction relies on a structural system of concrete piles and joists, which supports a timber-framed assembly. The building features layers such as wooden weatherboarding, a ventilated cavity, insulation, and an insulated wooden frame. These elements combined offer stability and improve energy efficiency, showcasing a focus on responsible design practices.

Site Integration

The visitor center is designed to connect visually with the surrounding landscape. Large, ceiling-high windows frame the bog views, inviting natural light into the spaces. This thoughtful design promotes a strong link between the indoor environment and the outdoors. The layout considers shading and shelter carefully, ensuring that visitors are comfortable as they engage with the landscape around them.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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