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Trombe Walls and Polycarbonate Panels in a Nature-Focused Visitor Center

Author:
Manuel alejandro Martinez guajardo
Trombe Walls and Polycarbonate Panels in a Nature-Focused Visitor Center

Project in-detail

Using trombe walls for passive heating and polycarbonate panels for durable, natural lighting, the visitor center provides an engaging space for exploration and education within the Kemeri Bog landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Use of trombe walls for efficient passive heating.
02
Incorporation of rainwater harvesting systems for sustainability.
03
Polycarbonate panels provide natural light while minimizing vandalism.
04
Visitor areas designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
05
Locally sourced wood enhances environmental responsibility and cultural connection.

The Kemeri Bog Visitor Center is located within the coniferous forest of Kemeri, Latvia. It serves as an important entry point to the Kemeri Bog Boardwalk. The design emphasizes a close relationship between the building and its natural surroundings, aiming to create a welcoming environment for visitors. The center is intended to provide essential facilities while respecting the ecological context in which it is placed.

Architectural Concept

The design of the visitor center is inspired by the surrounding landscape, with careful consideration of sunlight and wind patterns. The building features a modern take on traditional Latvian gable roofs, which adds cultural significance to its contemporary appearance. By positioning the center in relation to the towering pine trees on the site, the design not only respects the local environment but also enhances the visitor experience.

Functional Layout

Inside the center, a variety of spaces cater to different visitor needs. These include parking areas for visitors and buses, engaging recreational spaces like a football field and playground, as well as essential facilities such as restrooms and a café. This thoughtful arrangement makes the center a multifunctional space, encouraging people to interact with nature and with each other.

Environmental Integration

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design. A rainwater harvesting system helps reduce the building’s ecological footprint, while passive heating is achieved through the incorporation of a trombe wall in the lower section. By focusing on southern orientation for optimal solar exposure, the design aims to improve energy efficiency and promote a responsible approach to environmental care.

Materiality and Detailing

The materials chosen for the project reflect both practical needs and the local context. Locally sourced wood serves as the main construction material, connecting the building with its surroundings. Concrete flooring adds thermal mass, allowing for efficient passive heating. Polycarbonate panels create a lightweight facade that lets in natural light while offering protection from the elements. Together, these materials work to achieve a design that is functional and visually appealing.

Overhanging roofs at the entrance provide shelter and create inviting spaces for outdoor gatherings. This design detail draws visitors into the building while enhancing the connection between the interior and the wide-open spaces of nature beyond.

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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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