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An Observation Platform Framed by a Lava-Inspired Footbridge

Authors:
Ali Zolfaghari, Sina Sadeghi, Sina Gozashteh, Mahyar Jalali
An Observation Platform Framed by a Lava-Inspired Footbridge

Project in-detail

The design is set within a canyon to provide an elevated perspective of the surrounding landscape. It emphasizes functional engagement with the natural environment through an observation platform and connecting footbridge.
5 key facts about this project
01
The platform offers a 360° view of the canyon.
02
A footbridge encourages interaction with the landscape.
03
Waffle foundation minimizes environmental impact and excavation.
04
Constructed with CNC laser-cut iron sheets for efficiency.
05
Fire-red footbridge follows the canyon's natural contours.

The Stone-Tent Observation Platform is located within a canyon, providing visitors with an elevated perspective of the surrounding landscape. Designed as a functional habitat, the platform offers a 360° view while integrating with the natural topography. A footbridge extends from the main structure, encouraging exploration and interaction with the canyon environment.

Structural Approach and Materials
The platform is supported by a waffle foundation system, which combines strength with material efficiency to minimize environmental impact. Components are fabricated using CNC laser-cut iron sheets, reducing construction time and costs. A metal mesh envelops the structure, holding gravel infill to stabilize the platform while minimizing excavation. This approach balances durability with sensitivity to the landscape, ensuring structural performance without extensive disruption to the site.

Footbridge Design and User Experience
The footbridge, highlighted in a fire-red color inspired by flowing lava, enhances visibility and serves as a visual landmark. Its design follows the natural contours of the canyon, creating a continuous experience that links the platform with the surrounding terrain. Together, the observation platform and footbridge facilitate direct engagement with the environment, encouraging visitors to observe and interact with the natural features while maintaining safety and accessibility.

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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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