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Charred Wooden Shingles Elevate a Timber Structure for Birdwatching and Ecological Engagement

Authors:
Robin Nong, Meng Ye, Johnathan Chan
Charred Wooden Shingles Elevate a Timber Structure for Birdwatching and Ecological Engagement

Project in-detail

Featuring charred wooden shingles and a spiral staircase, the structure enhances birdwatching experiences while promoting ecological education within the diverse habitat of Lake Pape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide increased durability and low maintenance.
02
The design includes a spiral staircase to connect two distinct observation platforms.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and sustainability.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes wind deflection and natural light entry.
05
The pavilion integrates into the wetland ecosystem with minimal land disturbance.

### Overview
The birdwatching pavilion is situated on the western edge of Lake Pape in Latvia, an area renowned for its diverse ecosystems and avian species. The design intent focuses on creating an immersive environment that enhances the birdwatching experience while promoting ecological awareness. It embraces the natural landscape and facilitates a deeper connection between visitors and the habitat, serving both educational and observational purposes.

### Spatial Strategy
The pavilion's design features two distinct viewing platforms that offer varied perspectives of the surrounding environment. The lower platform is positioned at eye level with the habitat, allowing for a close-up appreciation of local flora and fauna, while the elevated platform provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. This dual arrangement supports diverse user interactions and encourages both observation and contemplation. Circulation within the space is facilitated by a spiral staircase connecting the two platforms, crafted from wood to maintain continuity with the natural context.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The material palette includes wood, glass, and concrete, each chosen for its functional and aesthetic qualities. Wood serves as the primary structural and finishing material, fostering a tactile connection with the surroundings. Glass openings are strategically placed to frame views and allow natural light while minimizing visual barriers. Concrete is utilized for the foundation, elevating the pavilion above the wetland and reducing ecological impact. The overall design emphasizes environmental harmony, employing minimal land alteration techniques and ensuring the preservation of local wildlife.

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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
competition now

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