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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design Elevate an Observation Structure in a Natural Park

Author:
António pedro Sousa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design Elevate an Observation Structure in a Natural Park

Project in-detail

Constructed with burnt wooden shingles and prefabricated pine, the structure's modular design offers an elevated vantage point for observing the surrounding natural park while promoting environmental engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced burnt wood for improved durability and weather resistance.
02
Features a modular design allowing for future expansions and reconfigurations.
03
Incorporates recycled wood from existing structures to minimize waste and environmental impact.
04
Designed with multiple observation platforms to enhance visitor interaction with wildlife.
05
Utilizes a hexagonal layout to optimize views and blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

### Overview

Located within Kenner Natural Park, the Nest Tower is designed to facilitate observation and engagement with the surrounding ecosystem while maintaining ecological integrity. The structure embodies principles of human interaction with nature, serving as both an observation point and a conceptual representation of a bird's nest, thus reflecting its role within the natural system.

### Structural and Material Strategy

The Nest Tower is primarily constructed using prefabricated pine wood sourced locally, emphasizing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. The design features a hexagonal and spiral configuration composed of modular components, which allows for spatial fluidity and adaptability for future expansion. Elevated platforms are strategically oriented toward cardinal points to optimize visual connections with the landscape. Material selection includes burnt wood, employing traditional Japanese techniques for durability, along with recycled wood from existing boardwalks, further enhancing sustainability efforts. Steel components are incorporated for structural stability without overpowering the natural materials used.

### User-Centric Accessibility

The design integrates gentle ramps and multiple access points to ensure inclusivity for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Open spaces promote natural ventilation and foster a strong connection to the surrounding environment. Balconies at varying heights provide unique vantage points that enhance the user experience, allowing for contemplation and engagement with nature. The circular foundation and site placement are carefully selected to harmonize with the park's topography, ensuring minimal disruption to existing ecosystems and enhancing the overall visitor experience through thoughtful landscape integration.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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
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