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Curvilinear Observation Platform Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Eduardo Loza, Sergio Calderón, Isidro Iturralde
Curvilinear Observation Platform Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles
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A curvilinear platform of cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles offers an accessible vantage point for birdwatchers, blending seamlessly with the landscape while encouraging ecological engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A curvilinear form mimics natural land contours, enhancing site integration.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Custom metal railings incorporate an open mesh design for unobstructed views.
04
A ramped pathway ensures full accessibility for all users.
05
Strategically placed observation points encourage ecological engagement with local wildlife.

### Overview
Located within a natural landscape, the project, "A Line in the Landscape," is designed to serve as a dedicated observation platform for birdwatchers while fostering an appreciation for the surrounding environment. This structure enhances user engagement with nature through a carefully conceived architectural framework that promotes birdwatching as both a recreational and educational activity. The design integrates the path of the observation platform with the topography, ensuring that users experience the full visual and auditory richness of the natural setting.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The architectural composition consists of a bridge and an observation tower, interconnected by a winding platform that adapts to the contours of the land. The design emphasizes three main functions: standing, viewing, and movement. Designated standing areas allow users to pause and observe comfortably, while elevated viewing platforms provide expansive sightlines of the landscape. The ramped pathways ensure accessibility, accommodating users of various mobility levels and promoting a fluid experience throughout the structure. The form reflects intricate patterns found within natural ecosystems, enhancing the user's connection to the environment.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. Treated wood is predominantly used for walking surfaces and structural elements, fostering a warm, tactile experience that aligns with the surrounding nature. Steel mesh is utilized for railings and wind barriers, offering safety while maintaining unobstructed views; its industrial character contrasts with the warmth of the wood. Supported by a robust steel framework, the structure maintains stability in an exposed setting. The design encourages ecological responsiveness by promoting the growth of native flora around the walkways, which attracts various bird species and contributes to biodiversity. User-centric features, such as the provision of birdwatching equipment, further enhance the interactive experience, ensuring that the structure meets both functional and experiential needs.

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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.

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