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Timber Louvers and Sustainable Practices in a Bog Visitor Center

Author:
Masaki Nishikubo
Timber Louvers and Sustainable Practices in a Bog Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Timber louvers blend with the surrounding forest, drawing on sustainable practices to create a visitor center that enhances engagement with Latvia’s unique bog ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber louvers adapt to seasonal changes, enhancing the visitor experience.
02
Locally sourced materials support sustainable forest management practices.
03
The layout includes distinct areas for both short and long-term visitor engagement.
04
A dedicated water tank enhances fire safety, positioned strategically from the forest edge.
05
Public spaces are designed for open access, connecting visitors directly to the landscape.

The Great Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located in Latvia's national park, designed to provide visitors with insights into the unique bog ecosystem. It serves both educational and recreational purposes, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the landscape. The design aims for a close relationship with nature, taking cues from local elements, such as the bagworm, which skillfully camouflages itself within its environment.

Facade Design

The center's facade consists of timber louvers that create an interesting play of light and shadow. This feature enhances the building’s connection to the surrounding trees, allowing glimpses of nature while reducing the visual impact of the structure. The design respects the natural setting while offering a clear architectural presence that aligns with the park's character.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout is thoughtfully organized to support both short and long visits. Areas designed for brief stays include information desks, nature survey spaces, workshops, and a café, ensuring that visitors can access necessary services quickly. Longer stay options encompass camping facilities, outdoor cooking areas, play zones for children, and restroom amenities. This deliberate arrangement reflects a comprehensive understanding of visitor needs in a natural context.

Sustainability Practices

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the design, particularly in relation to forest management. The project integrates materials gathered from local thinning operations, using species such as spruce, poplar, ash, and oak. This practice emphasizes the importance of ecological health and minimizes reliance on processed materials, aligning with contemporary environmental considerations in construction.

Safety Features

The design takes fire risks seriously, incorporating several safety measures. A water tank is positioned strategically, keeping a distance of at least 30 meters from the forest edge, enhancing protection against potential fires. Unburnable pavement is also part of the plan, designed to safeguard the building and its users. These features prioritize safety, showcasing a commitment to thoughtful planning in a natural setting.

Public areas aim to remain open and accessible, fostering a direct connection between visitors and the environment. Careful attention to detail includes the use of louvers that conceal potential vandalism, ensuring that the building retains its aesthetic appeal while remaining strong and durable. The design delivers a meaningful experience, inviting visitors to engage closely with the bog landscape.

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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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