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An Interactive Birdwatching Canopy Structure

Author:
Scott Kim
An Interactive Birdwatching Canopy Structure
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Located within a rich mosaic of lakes, meadows, marshes, dunes, and forests, the site supports diverse bird populations and other wildlife. Observation structures in such environments facilitate both ecological study and public engagement, providing opportunities for visitors to experience and understand natural systems.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower emphasizes a quiet, contemplative experience.
02
Corten steel columns enhance stability and blend with nature.
03
Multiple observation points offer expansive habitat views.
04
Intermediate landings encourage reflection during exploration.
05
A connecting bridge facilitates guided access through the park.

The Pape Bird Watching Tower is located in Pape Nature Park, Latvia, an area characterized by diverse ecosystems including lakes, meadows, marshes, dunes, and forests. The structure provides a dedicated observation space for visitors to view migrating birds and engage with the surrounding environment. The design emphasizes a quiet, contemplative experience, offering contrast to the active landscapes of the park.

Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The tower integrates multiple seating areas and observation points to provide expansive views of the park’s habitats. Vertical and spiral circulation encourages exploration and gradual engagement with the landscape. A connecting bridge links the tower with the surrounding paths, facilitating access and guiding visitors through the park while framing key ecological features. Intermediate landings offer pauses for reflection and observation, reinforcing the connection between movement and the natural environment.

Materiality and Structural Considerations
The primary structure consists of Corten steel columns, providing stability while complementing the natural palette of the park. A timber frame adds warmth and visual integration with the surrounding landscape. Material selection supports both durability and environmental sensitivity, ensuring the tower responds appropriately to its context. The arrangement of structural elements, observation points, and pathways is calibrated to enhance visitor interaction with wildlife while maintaining minimal disruption to the site.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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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
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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