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Corten Steel Canopy Elevates Visitor Experience in Biodiversity Observation

Authors:
Noeline Tharshan, Francesca Cuda, Amanda Nalli, Christian Iannantuono
Corten Steel Canopy Elevates Visitor Experience in Biodiversity Observation

Project in-detail

Constructed with corten steel and warm pine, the tower offers carefully curated viewing platforms that enhance the connection between visitors and the diverse ecological landscape while serving as a dedicated space for observation and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Views are framed to highlight specific aspects of the natural landscape.
02
The use of corten steel provides both durability and a unique aesthetic.
03
The design minimizes ecological disruption while maximizing visitor experience.
04
Elevated platforms offer diverse perspectives of the surrounding ecology.
05
Warm pine flooring contrasts with industrial materials, enhancing visitor comfort.

The IN-SIGHT PAPE BIRD OBSERVATION TOWER is located in a rich ecological area that aims to enhance the connection between people and nature. It functions as a space for observation and education, highlighting the diversity of wildlife through its design. The overall concept focuses on bridging the divide between constructed spaces and the environment, providing visitors with opportunities to engage with the surrounding landscape.

Design Concept

The main idea of the observation tower is to immerse visitors in the local ecosystem. As people approach, they follow a defined path that leads to an initial viewpoint directed towards the land. This orientation showcases the variety of animals that inhabit the area, serving as a starting point for exploration and appreciation of the environment.

Spatial Experience

The layout encourages visitors to move up through a series of stairs, creating a journey with varying sightlines. Each level provides new perspectives of the site below and the sky above, enriching the experience of ascending. This thoughtful progression not only enhances physical elevation but also fosters a stronger connection to the natural world, prompting reflection and curiosity.

Materials and Structure

The choice of materials is important in supporting the project's commitment to sustainability. The roof is made from corten steel, which offers durability and a unique appearance as it weathers. Wire railings ensure safety while maintaining unobstructed views, enhancing the overall experience. A warm pine wood floor adds a natural feel, balancing the industrial quality of the steel. Structural wood columns contribute to the stability of the design while resonating with the surrounding environment.

Design Detail

The final observation platform provides a scenic view overlooking the water. This setting captures a key area of natural diversity and integrates the architecture with the landscape. The careful alignment allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings while ensuring minimal disruption to the ecosystem. Each element of the design works together, highlighting the tower's role as a space for learning and experiencing the complexities of nature.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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