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Curvilinear Walkway Elevated With COR-TEN Steel That Respects Forest Ecosystems

Authors:
Jack Mcculla, William Turton
Curvilinear Walkway Elevated With COR-TEN Steel That Respects Forest Ecosystems

Project in-detail

Constructed with COR-TEN steel, the curvilinear walkway seamlessly integrates into the forest canopy, offering a resilient and elevated pathway that enhances visitor engagement with the natural landscape while minimizing ecological impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated walkway design minimizes ground disturbance, protecting tree root systems.
02
Constructed with weathering COR-TEN steel, enhancing longevity and aesthetic integration.
03
Curvilinear shape offers varied sightlines, fostering immersive nature experiences.
04
Integrates with existing forest canopy to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
05
Skinny rigid piers create a lightweight appearance while ensuring structural stability.
The Cor-Ten Walkway is an architectural installation located within Gauja National Park, Latvia. This project exemplifies the integration of architecture with natural landscape, offering a functional and aesthetic pedestrian pathway that enhances user engagement with the environment. The walkway is characterized by its curvilinear form that weaves through the existing forest while elevating visitors above the forest floor. This design approach fosters a direct connection between users and the surrounding nature.

Design and Structural Innovation

One of the notable aspects of the Cor-Ten Walkway is its use of COR-TEN steel as the primary material. This weathering steel not only provides structural integrity but also develops a patina that harmonizes with the natural colors of the forest. The walkway features a cantilevered deck, which minimizes ground disturbance, allowing for the preservation of existing trees and vegetation. This elevated structure not only enhances the aesthetic experience by offering varied sightlines but also protects the delicate root systems of mature trees.

The walkway's design incorporates a torsion box girder spine, which ensures stability while maintaining a lightweight profile. This engineering choice supports the overall slender aesthetic of the walkway, avoiding bulkiness that could detract from the natural setting. Additionally, the integration of skinny rigid piers further enhances the minimal impact on the landscape, allowing the project to blend seamlessly into the environment.

User Experience and Environmental Considerations

The layout of the Cor-Ten Walkway is thoughtfully designed to engage users with diverse viewpoints and sensory experiences. By navigating through the tree canopy, the walkway provides unique perspectives of the forest, promoting a more immersive interaction with the natural surroundings.

The project also emphasizes environmental sustainability. By elevating the walkway, it limits ecological disruption and allows for the continued growth of local flora and fauna. This consideration for the ecosystem is integral to the project’s design philosophy, making it a responsible addition to the park and promoting awareness of environmental conservation among visitors.

For more insights into the project’s implementation and architectural strategies, explore the project presentation, which includes detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the unique ideas behind the Cor-Ten Walkway. This exploration can provide a deeper understanding of the design decisions and their impact on the architectural narrative of the project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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