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Vertical Cladding and Natural Lighting Enhance Sustainability in a Visitor Center Embracing Its Wetland Context

Author:
Filip Teter
Vertical Cladding and Natural Lighting Enhance Sustainability in a Visitor Center Embracing Its Wetland Context

Project in-detail

With a façade of vertical timber cladding that seamlessly integrates with its wetland surroundings, this visitor center utilizes natural lighting and rainwater management to create an inviting educational hub for exploring the unique ecology of the Kemeri Bog.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability while blending with the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their sustainability and aesthetic appeal, providing warmth and connection to nature.
03
Charred wooden shingles coat the exterior, offering both durability and a unique visual texture that complements the wooded environment.
04
A rainwater management system channels runoff from the sloped roof, promoting eco-friendly practices.
05
The design incorporates large glass panels to maximize natural light and views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for visitors.
The project known as the "Gate to Kemeri" is an architectural endeavor situated in the Great Kemeri Bog, designed as a visitor center that connects the local community with the rich natural environment surrounding it. This project effectively marries contemporary architectural language with a deep respect for the landscape, offering a space that is both functional and engaging. Its function serves not just as an informational hub for visitors but also as a focal point for education and community interaction concerning the region’s unique ecological systems.

At its core, the "Gate to Kemeri" represents a commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness. It is designed to welcome visitors, offering them essential resources while encouraging exploration of the beautiful bog area. The structure itself is carefully sited to facilitate a natural flow into the site without disrupting the existing ecosystem, demonstrating an important principle of architecture that emphasizes respect for the environment.

The architectural design incorporates a range of important elements that enhance the experience of both visitors and staff. A transparent façade constructed predominantly from glass allows natural light to flood into the space, creating an inviting atmosphere and optimizing the views of the surrounding landscape. This transparency bridges the gap between the indoors and outdoors, reinforcing the overall concept of the center as a gateway to nature.

The use of treated timber for the building's exterior showcases craftsmanship and integrates the structure into its wooded surroundings. This wooden cladding serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, providing warmth and a tactile quality that enhances the visitor experience. Concrete forms a critical component of the project as well, providing structural stability and serving as a durable foundation for the building.

Significantly, the roof design of the visitor center is particularly noteworthy. With a slope that efficiently channels rainwater, the roof also creates sheltered outdoor spaces that can be utilized for gatherings and education programs. These spaces encourage community interaction and foster an environment conducive to learning about the local ecology. Such design choices reflect a unique approach to architecture, prioritizing functionality and sustainability while also considering aesthetic appeal.

Inside, the layout of the visitor center is well organized, featuring multipurpose rooms that can accommodate workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs. Such spaces are critical for engaging the community, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment, and promoting local conservation efforts. The thoughtful arrangement of these areas showcases the project’s dual purpose: to educate visitors about the Kemeri Bog while providing facilities for community use.

The "Gate to Kemeri" stands not only as a structure but as a symbol of the potential for architecture to bridge the gap between humanity and nature. By thoughtfully incorporating elements that prioritize ecological responsibility and community engagement, this design exemplifies a progressive approach within the field of architecture. Visitors and community members alike are encouraged to explore the project presentation to delve deeper into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that define this significant work. Engaging with these details offers valuable insights into how this project contributes to our understanding of architecture in harmony with nature.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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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