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Charred Wooden Shingles and Permeable Façades in a Timber Elevation Tower for Wildlife Observation

Authors:
Samuel Walther-battista, Marc Dainow
Charred Wooden Shingles and Permeable Façades in a Timber Elevation Tower for Wildlife Observation

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with a permeable façade, the structure elevates visitors above the marshland to foster wildlife observation and promote environmental awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates a permeable façade that allows natural airflow and light penetration.
03
Features multiple viewing platforms that simulate ascending tree canopies.
04
Built using cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
05
Strategically positioned to minimize ecological impact while maximizing wildlife observation.

## Overview
Located in an area characterized by marshlands, the Crib Tower was conceived as a structure that fosters human interaction with the natural environment while serving dual purposes as a viewing tower and a shelter for wildlife observation. The design reflects a comprehensive understanding of its geographic context, integrating natural elements such as air, water, and earth to ensure a minimal impact on the landscape.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement
The elevation of the Crib Tower allows for unobstructed views of the surrounding marshlands and sky, enhancing users' observational experiences. The tiered design of the platforms mimics natural elevations found in flora, specifically trees, thereby promoting a connection between visitors, the environment, and the horizon. Furthermore, the positioning of the tower makes it accessible for individuals interested in birdwatching and wildlife observation, encouraging interaction not only with nature but also among visitors.

## Materiality and Structural Composition
The material selection is a critical element of the Crib Tower's architectural identity. An extensive use of timber for the façade provides a warm, tactile connection to the natural surroundings, reinforcing the project's theme. A slender steel frame offers structural support while maintaining visual lightness, ensuring both stability and longevity. Additionally, strategically placed glass elements enhance visibility and natural light penetration, forging a dialogue between the interior and the exterior environments.

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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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