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Wooden Envelope Embraces Nature with Inverted Domes and Integrated Educational Spaces

Authors:
Horacio Eduardo Sessa, Juan Cruz Mill
Wooden Envelope Embraces Nature with Inverted Domes and Integrated Educational Spaces
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Intricately designed with a wooden envelope and inverted domes, the visitor center in Kemeri Bog Park seamlessly integrates educational spaces into the surrounding wetland landscape, enhancing interaction with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable half-covered transition spaces enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
02
The structure's form is inspired by bird nests, emphasizing natural integration.
03
A wooden esplanade connects educational activities while promoting visitor interaction.
04
Inverted domes equipped with steel tensioners ensure structural stability and visual interest.
05
The design employs local wooden boards to mirror existing pathways and reinforce cultural context.

The proposal for Kemeri Bog Park is located in Latvia, an area rich in natural beauty and ecological significance. The design integrates with the landscape, serving as an access point that encourages exploration of the wetland area. This concept aims to bridge the man-made and natural environments, focusing on enhancing the visitor experience through thoughtful design that draws from the imagery of bird nests.

Concept and Design Approach

The approach emphasizes a strong connection to the landscape. Closed spaces are designed to avoid a fully enclosed feeling. Instead, they feature a wooden envelope that creates visual boundaries with open frames. This design choice fosters a light and airy atmosphere, allowing for half-covered transition spaces that harmonize with the surrounding trees and plants.

Visitor Interaction and Educational Spaces

The outer areas are designed to be interactive and educational, encouraging visitors to learn about the local ecosystem. These spaces are intended for various activities, offering opportunities for teaching, exploration, and engagement with nature. The goal is to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the wetland environment and its inhabitants.

Materiality and Structural Systems

Specific materials are chosen to maintain aesthetic coherence and function. Wooden boards echo the existing paths, reinforcing a consistent look throughout the park. Arches are built using a straightforward metal joint system, which allows for efficient assembly. Inverted domes are supported by steel tensioners that help manage the forces acting on the structure, ensuring stability and durability over time.

The design includes a wooden esplanade that connects different activities, promoting flow and interaction throughout the park. This feature is both functional and attractive, enhancing the overall experience while allowing visitors to appreciate the serene beauty of the landscape.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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