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Brass Mesh Hides and Cross-Laminated Timber Shelters Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Wetlands

Authors:
Jackson caish-sadlek, Anna Margin, anna black
Brass Mesh Hides and Cross-Laminated Timber Shelters Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Wetlands

Project in-detail

Utilizing locally sourced reed thatch and cross-laminated timber, the architectural design creates dual observation hides that seamlessly integrate with the wetland landscape, facilitating immersive birdwatching experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced reed thatch for roofing, emphasizing ecological integration.
02
Features cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency, reducing environmental impact.
03
Incorporates brass mesh for unobtrusive visibility while enhancing camouflage.
04
Designed with dual pavilions, offering diverse viewpoints for birdwatching.
05
Adopts curved roof forms that mimic natural shapes, blending seamlessly into the landscape.

## Project Overview

Located in Pape National Park, the Migration Path project focuses on enhancing the visitor experience through two strategically positioned observation hides. The design facilitates an intimate engagement with the park's significant bird migration routes and emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the natural landscape. By incorporating elements that invite exploration, the hides encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in the park's ecological diversity.

## Spatial Strategy

The Migration Path employs a dual-hide configuration, breaking away from traditional singular observation towers to promote varied engagement and connectivity. One pavilion is situated under a canopy of trees, allowing close encounters with birdlife, while the other is elevated to provide expansive views of the wetlands. This design approach not only fosters a physical and experiential connection to the environment but also reflects the organic forms found in nature, particularly in avian architecture.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection is tailored to meet sustainability goals while resonating with the local context. Key elements include locally sourced reed thatch, providing camouflage and weather resistance; cross-laminated timber (CLT) for lightweight structural support; and brass mesh that enables unobtrusive observation. The use of stainless steel fixings ensures durability and a clean aesthetic. Together, these materials contribute to a design that underscores ecological integrity and minimizes environmental impact while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

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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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