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Copper Handrail and Carbon-Concrete Elevate Urban Accessibility in Pedestrian Crossing

Author:
Luis daniel Pozo torres
Copper Handrail and Carbon-Concrete Elevate Urban Accessibility in Pedestrian Crossing

Project in-detail

A copper handrail and lightweight Carbon-Concrete come together in a pedestrian bridge that prioritizes accessibility while enhancing urban movement across a key thoroughfare.
5 key facts about this project
01
A vertical curtain ramp with an 8% slope enhances accessibility for all users.
02
The bridge integrates a copper handrail that is both functional and corrosion-resistant.
03
Lightweight Carbon-Concrete is used for both the balustrade and slabs, ensuring structural efficiency.
04
Prefabricated modular components allow for quick and flexible assembly on-site.
05
Strategic drainage solutions using steel-formed sheets effectively manage water runoff.

The "White Wagtail" pedestrian bridge offers a practical connection that enhances the urban landscape it occupies. Situated in a key area, the bridge focuses on making movement easy for pedestrians while blending with the environment. The design centers around accessibility and user experience, creating an open space that welcomes all individuals.

Design Elements

Central to the bridge is a vertical curtain ramp with an 8% slope and a width of 1.4 meters. This ramp makes it easy for everyone, including those with mobility challenges, to cross without difficulty. The gentle slope reflects a commitment to inclusivity, transforming the bridge into more than just a crossing point but a space that is part of daily urban life.

Structural Integrity

The bridge relies on a combination of main suspenders and supporting towers for its strength and stability. These features help create a lightweight appearance and maintain open sightlines for users. By thoughtfully considering the main structural loads, engineers ensure the bridge can withstand everyday pressures while providing safety for pedestrians.

Material Considerations

One notable aspect is the handrail, which has a diameter of 4 centimeters and is coated in copper to prevent corrosion. This choice balances durability with a clean look. Lightweight Carbon-Concrete is used for both the balustrade and slabs, supporting the overall structure without feeling heavy. The prefabricated modular system allows for quick construction and fits well within the urban setting, while steel-formed sheets address the drainage needs of the bridge.

Accessibility Features

Additional features include stairs that rise 2 meters, improving access from different points. A secondary tension cable adds extra support, enhancing the bridge's lightweight nature. Together, these elements work to create not just a structure but an engaging space for anyone crossing the bridge. Users can move freely, while the careful design details encourage them to interact with the surrounding area.

Attention to detail is evident in how structural and aesthetic elements come together, providing a functional yet pleasant experience for pedestrians.

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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
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