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Biophilic Observation Tower Featuring Composite Cladding and Timber Platforms in Natural Reserve

Authors:
Oguzhan Zeytinoglu, Burcu Tasli, Cansu Celikkaya, Duygu Kisacik
Biophilic Observation Tower Featuring Composite Cladding and Timber Platforms in Natural Reserve

Project in-detail

Constructed with composite cladding and elevated timber platforms, the observation tower enhances user interaction with the surrounding wildlife, serving as a focal point for nature enthusiasts in Pape Natural Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with composite cladding for durability and aesthetic integration into the landscape.
02
Incorporates multiple elevated platforms for diverse wildlife observation experiences.
03
Features a sloped pathway to enhance accessibility for all visitors.
04
Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural topography of Pape Natural Park.
05
Utilizes transparent glass panels to create a sense of openness and connection to the environment.

### Architectural Design Report: "PaperCut" Observation Tower

#### Overview
Located in Pape Natural Park, the "PaperCut" observation tower is designed to enhance user engagement with the surrounding natural environment, particularly for birdwatching activities. The structure facilitates both passive and interactive experiences, inviting visitors to navigate through varying viewpoints that foster a deeper connection with nature. This design report details the conceptual framework, spatial organization, material selection, and notable features integral to the project.

#### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The tower features a multi-level configuration that encourages exploration from ground level to elevated platforms. This vertical arrangement offers diverse perspectives of the landscape and promotes a variety of activities:

- **Access and Navigation**: A combination of circular and sloped pathways allows for easy movement between levels, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. This layout facilitates a natural flow through the observation areas, enhancing the overall experience.
- **Vantage Points**: Strategically placed observation stations at higher elevations provide optimal views for observing wildlife, particularly birds in their natural habitat. The design prioritizes intuitive transitions between levels, supporting an immersive exploration of the park.

#### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
The choice of materials in "PaperCut" aims to harmonize the structure with its natural context while maintaining durability and functionality:

- **Wood**: Used extensively for platforms and railings, wood introduces a sensory warmth that complements the surrounding environment.
- **Steel**: The structural framework employs steel beams, providing necessary strength and longevity, particularly against environmental challenges.
- **Glass**: Incorporating transparent panels enhances visual connectivity between the interior spaces and external views, creating a cohesive relationship with the landscape.
- **Composite Cladding**: The exterior incorporates various composite materials designed for resilience against weather effects while contributing to an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

#### Distinctive Features
"PaperCut" incorporates several unique aspects that enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal:

- **Interactive Features**: The tower encourages active engagement with the environment, allowing visitors to use binoculars for birdwatching, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity.
- **Environmental Integration**: The structure's design subtly melds with the site, mirroring the natural topography and ensuring minimal visual disruption within the park.
- **Experiential Design**: Careful placement of each observation level prioritizes sensory experiences, offering users immersion in the sounds and sights of the natural world, from bird calls to sunset views.

"PaperCut" serves as a platform for observation and connectivity with nature, demonstrating how thoughtful architectural design can enhance the appreciation of 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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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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