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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Structure Enhancing Birdwatching Experiences

Authors:
Aaron Herring, Joey Gamblin, Matthew Herring
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Structure Enhancing Birdwatching Experiences

Project in-detail

Cantilevered design utilizing charred wooden shingles offers a seamless observation platform that immerses visitors in the surrounding biodiversity while promoting awareness of local avian habitats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered structure allows unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing aesthetic texture.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural strength and sustainability.
04
Integrated pathways minimize ecological disturbance and enhance visitor access.
05
Multi-level observation platforms offer diverse perspectives for birdwatching.

## Overview

The Pope Bird Observation Tower is designed to enhance the viewing experience of avian habitats in Latvia's natural landscape. Located strategically to respect the ecological significance of the site, the project serves both as an observation platform and an artistic installation. Its design is rooted in the intent to foster a stronger connection between visitors and the environment, emphasizing ecological sensitivity and conservation.

### Design Strategy

The architectural concept emphasizes the relationship between built structures and natural forms through fragmentation and hybridization. The tower's cantilevered design reflects the curvature of bird wings, establishing a dialogue between human and ecological elements. Observation platforms at various heights allow for versatile engagement with the landscape, while the pathways leading to the tower are designed to minimize ecological disturbance, promoting both accessibility and environmental respect.

### Material Composition

The choice of materials supports themes of sustainability and durability. Predominantly utilizing treated timber, the structure harmonizes with the natural foliage, while steel components provide necessary structural integrity for the cantilevered design. Glass elements are integrated selectively to enhance views and natural light without compromising the overall user experience. This careful selection fosters an architectural narrative that aligns with environmental concerns while ensuring the tower's stability and functionality.

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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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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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