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Cylindrical Observation Tower With Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Reed Roofing For Enhanced Birdwatching Experience

Authors:
Stefan Kuriger, Sabina Egloff, Coralie Gonano
Cylindrical Observation Tower With Cross-Laminated Timber and Natural Reed Roofing For Enhanced Birdwatching Experience

Project in-detail

With a cylindrical form crafted from cross-laminated timber and a roof adorned with natural reed, the observation tower is designed to provide optimal viewing conditions for birdwatchers while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical structure promotes 360-degree visibility for birdwatchers.
02
Cross-laminated timber construction enhances structural stability and sustainability.
03
Natural reed roofing mimics the environment and blends with local flora.
04
Spiral staircase design allows smooth access between multiple viewing platforms.
05
Dual-skin facade facilitates natural ventilation while ensuring energy efficiency.

### Project Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is situated within Pape Nature Park, a region noted for its biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere. This architectural intervention is designed to serve both functional and aesthetic needs, enhancing the experience of visitors as they engage with the surrounding environment and observe local avifauna.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The design emphasizes visibility and accessibility to accommodate birdwatchers by featuring a cylindrical form that draws inspiration from natural habitats. The tower includes two elevated viewing platforms, allowing visitors to choose their preferred vantage points for bird observation. The staircase, designed in a spiral configuration, facilitates a smooth flow of movement, guiding visitors through an immersive experience as they ascend. An additional rotational viewing platform provides unobstructed 360-degree views, further enriching the interaction with the landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. The primary structure utilizes local timber, offering an aesthetic appeal that aligns with the natural setting while promoting warmth and sustainability. The roof features natural reeds or grass, echoing the organic forms found in bird nests. Metal components contribute structural stability and durability, while strategically placed glass elements enhance transparency and light penetration, fostering a continuous connection to the exterior environment. This thoughtful integration of materials underscores the project's ecological ethos while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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