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Curvilinear Observation Tower Crafted from Sustainably Sourced Timber and Eco-Friendly Materials

Authors:
Daniel Westendorf, Kevin Rosenberg, Christina Smith, Treesa John
Curvilinear Observation Tower Crafted from Sustainably Sourced Timber and Eco-Friendly Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted from sustainably sourced timber and featuring curvilinear pathways that integrate seamlessly with the landscape, the observation tower enhances birdwatching experiences while promoting environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from sustainably harvested local timber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
03
Features curvilinear pathways that encourage exploration and interaction with nature.
04
Designed with multiple viewing platforms to optimize birdwatching opportunities.
05
Equipped with educational signage detailing local avian species and habitats.

### Project Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located within Pape Nature Park and serves as a dedicated space for birdwatching and educational activities. The design focuses on enhancing visitor engagement with the natural landscape while facilitating observation of local avian species. The structure aims to foster a connection between architecture and the environment, enriching the outdoor experience for users.

### Spatial Composition

The tower's design employs elongated columns that reflect the vertical growth of local flora, creating a sense of harmony with the surrounding habitat. The arrangement of these columns varies in size and spacing, simulating organic growth patterns while providing structural integrity. Pathways leading to the tower are designed to meander through the landscape, encouraging exploration and providing diverse vantage points. Elevated viewing platforms strategically positioned throughout the structure enhance the observational opportunities for users.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The materials chosen for the observation tower prioritize sustainability and contextual relevance. Locally sourced timber serves as the primary structural material, promoting environmental responsibility. Steel elements are incorporated for durability, while composite materials provide non-slip surfaces suitable for varying weather conditions. Glass is utilized in select areas to maintain unobstructed views, ensuring both safety and a clear sightline to the natural environment. Through these design choices, the project aims to minimize its ecological footprint while providing an engaging visitor experience.

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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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