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Visitor Center Emphasizing Seasonal Engagement with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingle Architecture

Authors:
Maria nohelly Jaime, James Mackey, Cameron Allen
Visitor Center Emphasizing Seasonal Engagement with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingle Architecture

Project in-detail

Nestled within the Great Kemeru Bog, this visitor center seamlessly blends cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles to create seasonal huts that encourage immersive exploration of the surrounding landscape, offering a unique connection to nature throughout the changing seasons.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates seasonal huts that adapt their function and usage throughout the year, enhancing visitor engagement with the changing environment.
02
Elevated walkways are crafted to provide access without disrupting the delicate ecosystem of the Great Kemeru Bog.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used to provide a weather-resistant exterior while creating a visually compelling texture that blends into the landscape.
04
The integration of natural landscaping materials supports local biodiversity and promotes ecological sustainability within the site.
05
The bent A-frame structure optimizes natural light and energy efficiency, maximizing visual connection with the surrounding bog.
The architectural project under analysis is designed as an educational and visitor center nestled within the Great Kemeru Bog in Latvia. This project represents a thoughtful integration of architecture with its naturalistic environment, emphasizing the importance of ecological awareness while providing facilities for learning and exploration. At its core, the project serves multiple functions—functioning as a space for visitor engagement, environmental education, and community interaction. It invites individuals to experience and appreciate the unique ecological setting of the bog across various seasons.

The project showcases strategically designed huts—Winter Hut, Equinox Hut, and Summer Hut—each tailored to provide visitors with a distinct seasonal experience. The Winter Hut is characterized by its warm interiors, making it an appealing refuge during colder months. It offers a comforting atmosphere where visitors can gather and relax, providing a space that emphasizes psychological warmth amidst the chill of winter. The Equinox Hut stands out for its versatility, catering to community gatherings and educational workshops. It is designed to adapt effortlessly to the needs of varying groups, celebrating the transitions between seasons, particularly spring and autumn. Meanwhile, the Summer Hut embodies energy and vibrancy, encouraging outdoor activities and communal experiences. The incorporation of kitchens and amphitheaters within this space fosters social interaction, allowing visitors to connect with each other as they engage with the environment.

A notable aspect of this architectural design is its ambition to seamlessly connect the constructed environment with the natural landscape. Elevated walkways and transitional chambers guide visitors through different ecological zones, ensuring that each step taken is a thoughtful interaction with the surroundings. The design prioritizes sensory experiences, using features that stimulate sight, sound, and touch. For example, the transition thresholds are designed to gently lead visitors from the bustling roadway into the serene landscapes, effectively bridging the gap between the manmade and the natural world.

The material choices reveal a commitment to sustainability and ecological integration. Concrete provides a sturdy structural foundation while embracing modern aesthetics. Wood introduces warmth and texture, contrasting gracefully with the cold sturdiness of concrete. Glass elements enhance transparency, allowing natural light to filter through spaces and create visual connections with the bog's landscape. Furthermore, earth materials are cleverly utilized in the landscape design, promoting native biodiversity and reinforcing the project's ecological mission.

Unique design approaches manifest through a deliberate focus on seasonal engagement. The architecture acts as a lens through which nature is experienced, with each structure designed not only to accommodate various activities but also to reflect the changing dynamics of the bog across different times of the year. This awareness is fundamental, as it nurtures a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of visitors with the environment.

This project serves as a model for architectural endeavors that prioritize ecological likeability while meeting community and educational needs. By blending architecture with its context, the project lays the groundwork for a sustainable approach to visitor centers in nature-rich environments. Those interested in exploring the intricate details of this architectural endeavor are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented within the broader project context. Such insights will provide a clearer understanding of how this project successfully combines functionality, aesthetics, and environmental stewardship.
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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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