Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Carbon Steel Arches Framing Pathways Above the Gauja River

Authors:
David Katz, Julia MacKenzie, Radia Berrada, Shana Kim
Carbon Steel Arches Framing Pathways Above the Gauja River

Project in-detail

Carbon steel arches support meandering pathways above the Gauja River, enhancing pedestrian access while integrating indigenous plantings that reflect the surrounding natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carbon steel arches provide structural support while allowing for a light, airy appearance.
02
The galvanized waffle slab decking enables light filtering, enhancing visual connectivity with the landscape.
03
Paths are designed to mirror the natural curves of the Gauja River, promoting a meandering journey.
04
Indigenous plantings along the pathways reinforce ecological connection and local biodiversity.
05
Information kiosks offer educational insights about the surrounding environment and park features.

The Archventure Bridge, located near the Gauja River, serves as a pedestrian pathway that harmoniously interacts with its natural surroundings. The design draws inspiration from the flowing forms of the river, creating a space that encourages exploration and connection with the landscape. This bridge enhances the experience of those who walk across it while improving the overall aesthetic of the park.

Structural Elements

The bridge has been built using carbon steel tie beams that form its main arches. These arches are crucial for maintaining stability while also adding to the design's visual appeal. The combination of strength and elegance allows for an impressive span that enhances how people experience the pathways. The bridge decking, made from a galvanized waffle slab, lets light filter through, helping connect users with the area below.

Path Configuration

Curves and meandering pathways characterize the bridge’s design, imitating the organic shapes of the Gauja River. This layout encourages diverse movement and allows visitors to explore the area more freely. The paths overlap in certain sections, promoting an interactive experience where users can navigate and appreciate the surrounding environment from different viewpoints.

Natural Integration

Indigenous plants line the pathways, adding to the overall sensory experience. This integration promotes a bond with the local ecosystem and invites users to engage with nature as they walk. Additionally, information kiosks along the route provide insights about various points of interest in the park, enriching the overall experience for visitors.

Visual Connection

Steel tension cables anchor the paths to the geometric arches, creating a balanced visual composition. This design legibly highlights both strength and delicacy. The lightweight decking contrasts well with the robust steel framework, resulting in a thoughtful relationship between the structure and its natural backdrop. Each visual element contributes to the overall narrative of the bridge, ensuring a strong connection between architectural design and the surrounding landscape.

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

`
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

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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