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Timber Structure That Harvests Rainwater in a Gateway to Wetlands

Authors:
Nik Maksimenko, Robert Barker, Michael Croghan
Timber Structure That Harvests Rainwater in a Gateway to Wetlands

Project in-detail

A timber structure designed to capture rainwater and seamlessly connect visitors to the boglands serves as a functional gateway, promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bent A-frame structure enhances natural light penetration and spatial dynamics.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural support and energy efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles contribute to durability while minimizing maintenance needs.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems supply water for restrooms and landscaping.
05
Design includes recreational elements like playgrounds integrated within the natural setting.

The Kemeri Visitor Centre is placed at a vital point for accessing the Kemeri boglands, blending well with the surrounding landscape. It serves as an important location for visitors, inviting them to explore the natural beauty of the area. The design is focused on creating an easy flow between the built environment and the surrounding nature. Inspired by traditional Scandinavian fishing flakes, the centre emphasizes openness and encourages visitors to engage with the landscape.

Conceptual Framework
The visitor centre functions as a gateway that connects the woodland and marshland. Its axial layout directs visitors from the parking area into the rich natural setting. With expansive views of both the bogland and the camping facilities, the design invites exploration. Clear entry points and a varied structural rhythm enhance movement throughout the space, making it easier for visitors to navigate and interact.

Materiality
Materials play an important role in the building's connection to the environment. Locally sourced materials, such as trees cut from nearby areas, are used throughout the design. These trees are attached to galvanized steel plates fixed to concrete footings, providing a strong but light structure. This choice not only supports sustainability but also creates a visual link to the surroundings. Essential features like snow guards and sunshades are made from sawn timbers, while the walls consist of prefabricated insulated timber frame panels that improve energy efficiency.

Environmental Considerations
The design aims to operate off-grid, showcasing innovative environmental features. Rainwater is collected from the roof for use in restrooms, and greywater is handled through a treatment tank to reduce impact on the local ecosystem. Solar panels supply electricity and heated water, decreasing reliance on traditional energy sources. Additionally, a heat pump system provides warmth, drawing energy from the earth or the air for efficiency.

Seasonal Adaptability
Flexibility is a key aspect of the visitor centre's design. The café and restroom areas serve as central facilities, functioning as a winter ticket office that minimizes heating needs. In the warmer months, fabric canopies are used to extend the usable space, providing outdoor dining areas and opportunities for recreational activities. Elements like climbing structures and swings are incorporated to enhance visitor interaction, creating a lively environment throughout the year.


The overall design results in a framework that stands out, allowing the visitor centre to adapt easily to changing weather and seasonal activities, while encouraging a connection to the natural surroundings.

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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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