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Charred Cedar Cladding Elevates a Birdwatching Tower in a Wetland Environment

Authors:
David Stern, Ryan Wheless, Chris Taylor
Charred Cedar Cladding Elevates a Birdwatching Tower in a Wetland Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred cedar cladding, the elevated observation tower offers panoramic views of the wetland ecosystem while promoting environmental awareness and community engagement through birdwatching.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred cedar for durability and aesthetics, enhancing resistance to weather.
02
Elevated design minimizes ecological impact while providing unobstructed views of the wetland.
03
Features extensive glazing within timber framing to maximize natural light and views.
04
Incorporates a community-accessible walkway that encourages interaction with the surrounding nature.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to optimize sightlines and structural integrity.

### Overview
The Lake Pape Perch is a bird observation tower located in Pape Nature Park, an area celebrated for its biodiversity and natural beauty. The design intent focuses on reflecting the surrounding environment while fostering ecological sensitivity and community engagement. By integrating modern architectural principles with sustainable practices, the structure aims to enhance visitors' interaction with nature.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The design incorporates several viewing platforms connected by a central staircase, each offering unique vantage points of the landscape. The first-floor platform provides accessible views, maintaining a close relationship with the wetlands below. The second-floor platform offers 360-degree perspectives, enhancing opportunities for wildlife observation. The roof level serves as a primary observation point, extending vistas beyond the park's boundaries. An accessible wooden walkway facilitates approach to the tower, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors and promoting engagement with the natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The structural design emphasizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials. Charred cedar siding, derived from the Shou Sugi Ban technique, is employed for its durability and fire-resistant properties, while imparting an artisanal aesthetic. Concrete pier foundations minimize ecological disruption, elevating the structure above wetland areas. Additionally, timber framing contributes to the lightweight profile of the building, allowing it to integrate comfortably into its environment. The extensive use of glazing within the framework promotes natural light flow and frames views of the wetlands, thereby creating a strong visual connection between visitors and the surrounding ecosystem.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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