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Charred Wooden Shingles and Locally Sourced Timber Elevate a Multifunctional Observation Tower in a Natural Habitat

Authors:
Priyank Mehta, stuti murarka, kushagra jhurani
Charred Wooden Shingles and Locally Sourced Timber Elevate a Multifunctional Observation Tower in a Natural Habitat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and locally sourced timber, this observation tower harmonizes with its natural surroundings while providing a versatile space for bird watching and ecological education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced timber, enhancing sustainability and ecological integration.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for dynamic sightlines and engages with the landscape.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and a natural aesthetic that blends with the environment.
04
Incorporates multi-level observation decks to provide varied perspectives for bird watching.
05
Designed with seasonal adaptability, featuring spaces that evolve with changing foliage throughout the year.

### Overview

Observasis is a bird observation tower situated within Pape Nature Park, Latvia, designed to provide an affordable and sustainable venue for observing local avian species. The project seeks to establish a harmonious interaction between visitors and the natural environment, prioritizing minimal human interference while enhancing the bird-watching experience. The design is informed by the objective of creating a functional structure that fosters an appreciation for biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

### Structural and Material Configuration

The tower’s open grid design mirrors the branching form of trees, facilitating integration with the surrounding landscape and promoting multiple viewpoints for users. Constructed primarily from locally sourced timber, the design emphasizes sustainability while ensuring structural integrity. A concrete core serves as a robust backbone, incorporating a multifunctional fireplace, while a steel framework adds flexibility and resilience. Glass elements are strategically incorporated to enhance transparency, allowing unobstructed views of the natural habitat and its inhabitants.

### User Experience and Seasonal Adaptation

Access points and staircases are thoughtfully arranged to guide visitors through varying levels of the structure, creating an engaging exploration of designated bird-watching areas while minimizing disruption to wildlife. The architecture is designed to adapt to seasonal changes through strategically placed greenery that evolves throughout the year, offering diverse aesthetic and experiential qualities in different seasons. This attention to seasonal dynamics further enriches visitor interaction with the environment, fostering a deeper connection to both nature and conservation efforts.

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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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