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Curvilinear Viewpoint Crafted from Wood and Steel Overlooking Biodiverse Reserve

Authors:
Sara Vasic, Nadezda Vukovic
Curvilinear Viewpoint Crafted from Wood and Steel Overlooking Biodiverse Reserve

Project in-detail

A spiral ramp viewpoint, elevated at 11.80 meters, offers panoramic views of a biodiverse reserve, supported by a structure of wood and steel that echoes the natural meanders of the landscape while guiding visitors through its pathways.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral ramp viewpoint stands at 11.80 meters, optimizing visual engagement with the landscape.
02
Pathways are designed to mimic natural river meanders, enhancing visitor navigation and interaction.
03
The boardwalk integrates sustainably sourced wood and a steel framework to ensure long-term durability.
04
Gathering spaces are strategically placed at pathway intersections to encourage social interaction.
05
The project emphasizes ecological awareness, maintaining a strong connection between the built environment and local biodiversity.

The Maeander project is an architectural endeavor designed to fit within a natural reserve, taking inspiration from the shapes and patterns found in river systems. Its primary function is to offer visitors a pathway and a viewpoint that promotes engagement with the surrounding landscape. The design reflects a concept rooted in the organic forms of nature, emphasizing the relationship between human interaction and ecological balance.

Conceptual Framework

The project's conceptual framework draws from how rivers create meanders. These shapes result from the flowing water and its interaction with the land, leading to patterns that influence the design. The result is a series of curved pathways and structures that guide visitors through the landscape. Each turn invites exploration and provides a sense of place that connects people to nature.

Visitor Experience

Two distinct pathways lead from the main access point to a boardwalk, which culminates in a spiral ramp viewpoint. Positioned at 11.80 meters high, this viewpoint allows visitors to survey the reserve from above. The ascension changes how people view their surroundings, bringing attention to the rich biodiversity below. The experience of climbing to the viewpoint creates anticipation and encourages a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Material Selection

Material choices are critical to the design. Wooden planks serve as the primary material for the boardwalk, chosen for their natural compatibility with the landscape. This choice helps the structure to blend with its surroundings and allows it to withstand the elements over time. A steel framework supports the boardwalk, providing stability for the design while maintaining a balance between strong structural support and aesthetic appeal.

Design Details

Attention to detail is reflected in the intersecting pathways, which offer spaces for visitors to gather and socialize. These moments of pause enable people to connect with each other while enjoying the natural setting. The design carefully balances open space and structured areas, enhancing the overall experience of navigating through the reserve. Visitors are encouraged to engage with their environment, creating an enriching experience that emphasizes the beauty and importance of nature in everyday life.

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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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