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Biomimetic Design Featuring Powder-Coated Aluminum and Leaf-Inspired Projections for Wildlife Observation

Authors:
John Yurchyk, Jordan Kasten-Krause
Biomimetic Design Featuring Powder-Coated Aluminum and Leaf-Inspired Projections for Wildlife Observation

Project in-detail

Utilizing powder-coated aluminum and biomimetic leaf projections, the observation tower offers a seamless integration with its natural surroundings, aimed at enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Camouflaged façade features digitally printed leaf patterns to blend with the natural environment.
02
Observation decks at varying heights provide optimal views while minimizing human impact on wildlife.
03
Spiral staircase design reduces structural footprint while enhancing accessibility.
04
Modular assembly allows for future expansions or modifications with minimal disruption.
05
Incorporates retractable awnings for comfort and privacy during wildlife observations.

### Project Overview

The A Replacement Bird Observation Tower is situated within Pape Nature Park, designed to enhance visitors' experiences with the natural environment while serving dual roles as both a birdwatching platform and an educational resource. The design prioritizes functionality and aesthetic coherence, aiming to integrate the built structure with its surrounding ecosystem.

### Spatial Configuration and Access

The tower's layout comprises distinct functional areas, promoting a comprehensive user experience. A central spiral staircase provides vertical circulation across three levels, optimizing the structure's footprint while ensuring accessibility for individuals with varying physical abilities. Multiple observation decks, positioned at varying heights, facilitate expansive views of the park and incorporate adjustable awnings for visitor comfort. Custom aluminum benches are also provided to encourage longer stays and social interaction among users.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The architectural design employs a range of sustainable materials to reinforce its integration with the natural landscape. Powder-coated aluminum serves as the primary structural material due to its lightweight and low-maintenance qualities, while digitally printed raw aluminum sheets create unique, nature-inspired patterns for the cladding. Reinforced concrete serves as a robust foundation, ensuring stability throughout the structure's lifespan. The construction approach favors prefabricated components, which minimizes waste and enhances efficiency during onsite assembly. This kit-of-parts method supports future modifications and expansions while maintaining a low impact on the environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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