Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Canopy Observation Tower Crafted with Sustainable Wood Lattice and Prefabricated Elements

Authors:
Si Xuan Alice Chen, Fernando Arce
Canopy Observation Tower Crafted with Sustainable Wood Lattice and Prefabricated Elements

Project in-detail

Crafted from prefabricated wood lattice and designed to mimic natural canopies, the observation tower offers elevated viewpoints for an immersive experience in birdwatching and wildlife observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes wind resistance and environmental harmony.
04
Includes dedicated bird perches within the structure to promote wildlife interaction.
05
Designed with prefabricated components for efficient construction and minimal site disruption.

### Overview

The Perch Observation Tower is situated within a natural landscape, designed to facilitate birdwatching and promote a deeper connection between visitors and their surroundings. The structure aims to immerse users in nature while maintaining a focus on sustainability and minimal ecological impact. Inspired by natural forms, its aesthetic and functionality draw from tree-like characteristics, encouraging engagement with the flora and fauna of the area.

### Spatial Strategy

The design incorporates multiple observation decks at varying heights, allowing for diverse perspectives on the environment and avian activities. A spiral staircase connects these levels, enhancing openness and flow within the space. Canopies above the decks mimic tree cover, providing shade and shelter while enriching the experience for users. Dedicated bird perches within the structure invite closer interactions between visitors and local wildlife, while an accessible footbridge ensures inclusivity and ease of approach.

### Material Selection

Material choices play a crucial role in achieving the design's intent. Wood serves as the primary material for vertical columns and decks, promoting sustainability and a connection to nature. Metal components, such as handrails and structural supports, enhance durability while allowing for slender profiles that minimize visual disruption. Glass elements are included to maintain unobstructed views of the landscape. The incorporation of prefabricated components further supports sustainability goals by streamlining on-site assembly processes.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy