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Cylindrical Observation Platform Crafted From Treated Timber and Integrated Natural Barriers

Authors:
Zuzanna Banaś, Magdalena Budyta, Katarzyna Gębalska, Aleksandra Konstanciak
Cylindrical Observation Platform Crafted From Treated Timber and Integrated Natural Barriers

Project in-detail

Constructed with treated timber and designed as a cylindrical observation platform, the structure offers an unobtrusive vantage point for birdwatching while integrating natural barriers to minimize disturbance to local wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with treated timber, the project minimizes ecological impact while enhancing durability.
02
The design incorporates natural barriers that allow for unobstructed wildlife observation.
03
A circular pathway layout promotes accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
04
Informational boards provide educational content about local bird species and habitat.
05
Rotatable binoculars are strategically installed to enhance the birdwatching experience.

### Project Overview
The Pape Bird Observation Tower, named "The Nest," is situated within a delicate ecological setting, designed to enhance birdwatching while promoting a meaningful connection between individuals and their natural surroundings. Inspired by the structure of a bird's nest, the design reflects themes of observation, leisure, and education.

### Spatial Strategy and User Accessibility
The tower features two circular pathways at distinct elevations—one at water level and another elevated to 6.5 meters. This configuration promotes universal accessibility, accommodating diverse user groups, including families and individuals with mobility challenges. The integration of gentle ramps connecting the two levels facilitates easy navigation, while strategically placed wooden benches encourage visitors to engage with the environment. The layout and design prioritize minimal disruption to local wildlife, ensuring that visitor experiences are both immersive and ecologically considerate.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
Construction materials were chosen for their natural aesthetic and compatibility with the surroundings. Treated wood serves as the primary structural material, while metal strings act as unobtrusive barriers to enhance visibility for birdwatchers. Driven piles provide structural stability in the marshy terrain, and wooden cylindrical panels, varying in diameter, obscure human presence, thereby reducing disturbances to birdlife. This careful selection of materials underscores a commitment to ecological integrity, reinforcing the tower's role as both a viewing platform and a space for preservation and education.

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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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