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Charred Timber Shingles Create Elevated Viewing experience Within Wetland Ecosystem

Authors:
Jie Hu, Yuqi Zhang, Xue Gao
Charred Timber Shingles Create Elevated Viewing experience Within Wetland Ecosystem

Project in-detail

Elevated platforms constructed with charred timber shingles provide unobstructed views of the wetland ecosystem, serving as a dedicated observation point for birdwatchers in Latvia's natural habitat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated observation platforms enhance birdwatching experiences without disturbing wildlife.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide ecological durability and blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for panoramic views while minimizing structural footprint.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure stability while utilizing locally sourced materials.
05
Integrated optical features offer unique viewing angles of the wetlands and bird populations.

### Pape Bird Observation Tower Overview

Located in Pape Nature Park in Latvia, the Pape Bird Observation Tower is designed to facilitate birdwatching and nature observation while harmonizing with the park's diverse ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from optical devices, such as periscopes and viewfinders, the structure aims to enhance the visitor experience by providing innovative observation techniques that encourage engagement with the natural surroundings.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The tower's design incorporates multiple observation platforms at varying heights, allowing visitors to experience panoramic views of the park’s landscape and bird populations. Large open spaces and expansive windows increase transparency, fostering a connection between the interior of the tower and the external environment. The careful arrangement of observation areas aims to minimize disturbance to wildlife, enabling birdwatchers to participate in a more immersive experience while observing from afar.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Constructed primarily from locally sourced timber, including oak and pine, the tower emphasizes sustainability and ecological sensitivity. Oak is selected for its structural integrity, while pine offers aesthetic versatility. Steel connectors provide stability, ensuring the durability of the structure, and waterproof materials are employed in areas vulnerable to moisture. This strategic choice of materials not only reinforces the building’s connection to its natural context but also aligns with broader sustainability principles.

The integration of bridges and stairways enhances accessibility within the structure, promoting fluid visitor movement between observation platforms. These design elements collectively create an inviting and user-friendly environment while encouraging appreciation for the local ecosystem and its avian inhabitants.

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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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