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Cross-Laminated Timber Platforms Elevated Above Nature for Bird Observation

Authors:
Santiago Borda Orellana, Ezekiel Flores Córdova, Mariana Morales Espinosa
Cross-Laminated Timber Platforms Elevated Above Nature for Bird Observation

Project in-detail

Elevated hexagonal platforms constructed from cross-laminated timber create a visually accessible vantage point for bird observation, seamlessly integrating into the ecological landscape while prioritizing sustainability and minimal disruption.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal platforms enhance visibility and engagement with the surrounding landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while promoting sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes observation angles without obstructing views.
05
A modular construction approach minimizes environmental impact and construction time.

### Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower, located at Pape Nature Park, is designed to enhance the observation and interaction between visitors and the natural environment. The project prioritizes sustainability, accessibility, and ecological awareness, allowing individuals to appreciate wildlife within their natural habitat. The architectural intent is to create a place where both human visitors and bird species coexist harmoniously.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The design features a radial layout, enabling a 360-degree view of the park's diverse scenery. This configuration maximizes visual engagement with various bird species while maintaining a connection to the site’s natural elements. A nonlinear bridge connects the observation tower to the surrounding landscape, encouraging exploration and providing diverse perspectives of the environment. The architecture's permeability fosters transparency, allowing the natural environment to remain an integral part of the visitor experience.

### Material Specification and Sustainability

Sustainable material choices are central to the construction of the observation tower. The use of Valrosa Coating-treated wood enhances fire resistance and water repellency, while long-lasting waterproof concrete ensures foundational stability. Structural integrity is further bolstered with treated steel, selected for its strength and durability against corrosive elements. Each material has been chosen through a life cycle analysis to ensure minimal environmental impact while maximizing longevity and functionality. This strategic selection emphasizes a commitment to environmental sensitivity and responsible architectural practices.

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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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