Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Marshland Observation Structure

Authors:
Samuel Walther-battista, Marc Dainow
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Marshland Observation Structure

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a harmonious structure that rises above the marshland, offering sweeping views while serving as a tranquil observatory for nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a distinct aesthetic that integrates with the natural surroundings.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural strength while reducing environmental impact.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that allows for optimal views of the marshland and sky from all observation platforms.
04
Elevated walkway minimizes ecological disruption, promoting a respectful interaction with the sensitive marshland ecosystem.
05
The layered, porous façade promotes natural ventilation and light penetration, creating a dynamic internal environment.
The Crib Tower represents a thoughtful integration of architecture within a marshland ecosystem, designed specifically for a location in Pape. This architectural project fuses form and function, aiming to provide an observatory space that encourages visitors to engage with their natural surroundings. At its core, the Crib Tower is intended to serve as both a refuge and a vantage point, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the unique ecosystem that characterizes the site.

The function of the Crib Tower extends beyond traditional architectural purposes, as it is conceived as an experience that immerses visitors in the dynamic interplay of land, water, and sky. The design invites exploration while carefully considering the environmental context, establishing a harmonious relationship between the structure and its surroundings. It stands as a testament to how architecture can enhance our understanding of nature while ensuring minimal disruption to the ecological balance.

There are several significant elements within the design worth noting. The entry pathway, elegantly elevated above the marsh, initiates the visitor’s journey. This pathway not only offers a practical means of accessing the tower but also sets the tone for the immersive experience, allowing individuals to interact with the landscape as they approach. The careful choice of sustainably sourced timber for the pathway reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with the overall ethos of the project.

Three distinct observation platforms are strategically positioned along the vertical ascent of the tower. Each platform serves a specific purpose, enhancing the visitor experience through varying perspectives of the landscape. The lower platform draws attention back to the journey taken, subtly reinforcing a connection to the path that leads visitors to the structure. The middle platform focuses on the expansive marshlands, fostering a moment of reflection and awe as one observes the intricate ecosystems at play. The top platform offers a panoramic view, enabling a dialogue between visitors and the vastness of the sky, serving as a reminder of our place within the broader natural world.

The use of a layered, porous façade made up of stacked wooden slats is particularly noteworthy. This design approach creates a texture that engages with light and shadows, while also permitting airflow, further enhancing the experience of being immersed in nature. The transparency afforded by glass elements allows for unobstructed views from within the structure, facilitating a seamless connection between interior and exterior environments. The thoughtful incorporation of steel frames ensures the durability and structural integrity necessary for a building poised to withstand the elements, emphasizing a balance of strength and elegance.

One of the unique aspects of the Crib Tower is its symbolic approach to the design. The repetitive horizontal elements and tiered structures evoke the layered growth patterns found in natural landscapes, reinforcing themes of harmony and connectivity. This attention to detail reinforces the relationship between human-made structures and the organic forms that exist in nature, ultimately resulting in a cohesive architectural language that speaks to the site’s character.

In essence, the Crib Tower is an example of how architectural design can be both practical and expressive. By taking cues from its environment and utilizing materials that resonate with sustainability, it stands as an example of mindful architecture in action. For those intrigued by the project, further exploration into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas that shaped this remarkable structure. It offers an invitation to experience a unique blend of nature and design, ultimately encouraging a deeper appreciation for our connection to the environment.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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