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An Elevated Tower Inspired by the Phoenix Myth

Author:
Edita Bruzikaite
An Elevated Tower Inspired by the Phoenix Myth

Project in-detail

Located in Pape, the structure serves as a platform for observing local birdlife and engaging with the surrounding natural environment. Its design responds to the site’s ecological and cultural context, providing elevated viewpoints while maintaining a modest footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's triangular form varies by viewing angle.
02
Multiple viewing platforms enhance bird observation experiences.
03
Charred timber exterior relates to the phoenix imagery.
04
Design inspired by nearby meadows and wooden architecture.
05
Monochromatic palette integrates with natural and cultural contexts.

Lake Phoenix is located in Pape and functions as a bird observation tower, replacing an earlier structure that was destroyed by fire. The design emphasizes engagement with the natural environment, providing spaces for visitors to observe local wildlife and explore the surrounding landscape. Its form and layout support focused observation while maintaining a subtle presence within the park.

Spatial Strategy
The tower features a triangular form that changes appearance depending on the viewing angle, creating dynamic visual interactions with the landscape. Multiple viewing platforms are arranged vertically, offering distinct perspectives of the surrounding environment and facilitating observation of birdlife. The transparency of the structure ensures continuous visual connection with the natural setting, allowing visitors to experience the ecosystem without obstruction.

Materiality and Contextual Integration
The exterior is clad in charred timber, a reference to the imagery of feathers associated with the mythical phoenix. This material provides durability and protection against weather while harmonizing with the colors and textures of the landscape. The design draws inspiration from nearby open meadows and traditional wooden architecture, adopting a simple, monochromatic palette that integrates contemporary form with its natural and cultural context.

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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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