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Corten Steel Ribbon Bridge Enhancing Forest Connectivity

Authors:
Rikus Engelbrecht, Dirk Lourens, Celeste Havenga
Corten Steel Ribbon Bridge Enhancing Forest Connectivity

Project in-detail

With its ribbon-like Corten Steel form soaring above busy roads, the bridge creates a unique vantage point that fosters exploration and engagement with the forest landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Ribbon-like form mimics natural landscape contours.
02
Corten Steel develops a weathering patina that connects to nature.
03
Integrated information pedestals enhance visitor education.
04
South-facing facade maximizes light interaction and environmental engagement.
05
Elevated viewpoints offer unique perspectives of the surrounding forest.

The "Forest Flux" project is designed to create a connection between pathways and the surrounding natural landscape. It combines the functions of a bridge and a viewing platform, allowing visitors to move through and engage with the environment. The design reflects a fluid concept that adapts to the unique topography and seasonal changes of the forest.

Spatial Experience

The structure encourages a rich spatial experience, guiding visitors along a path that offers changing views of the forest and water. The ribbon-like form of the bridge draws people in, prompting exploration and interaction with its various vantage points. This promotes a sense of calm and invites visitors to appreciate the natural beauty beyond the structure.

Materiality

Careful consideration of materials is central to the design. Corten Steel and glass were chosen for their functional and visual qualities. Corten Steel provides durability and strength while developing a natural patina over time that helps the bridge connect visually to its environment. The glass components allow light to filter through, framing the views of the landscape and enhancing the dialogue between the structure and nature.

Integrated Design

The design process combines natural elements with constructed forms. The curving shape of the bridge meets practical needs while creating an engaging user experience. Support structures are harmoniously placed within the landscape, minimizing their visual impact and reinforcing a strong connection to the site.

Dynamic Interaction

The south-facing orientation of the ribbon façade enhances interaction with wind and light. This creates a changing experience for visitors as they walk across the bridge, allowing them to feel the environment around them. As they traverse the space, the relationship between the structure and nature becomes more apparent, leading to a thoughtful engagement with the surroundings. A distinctive feature of the design is how it invites visitors to pause and connect with the shifting landscape, culminating in a unique experience of the forest.

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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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