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Cylindrical Reclaimed Wood Structure Enhancing Wetland Habitats for Visitor Engagement

Authors:
Tiago Cabral, Henrique Pimentel, Sara Pimentel
Cylindrical Reclaimed Wood Structure Enhancing Wetland Habitats for Visitor Engagement

Project in-detail

Celebrating wetland biodiversity, the cylindrical structure of reclaimed wood incorporates wildlife-friendly features while offering visitors a unique vantage point for nature observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical form enhances natural views while reducing visual impact on the landscape.
02
Wildlife nesting spots integrated within the facade promote biodiversity conservation.
03
Spiral staircase design encourages visitors to engage with their surroundings at multiple viewpoints.
04
Transparent glass elements increase daylight penetration and connection to the natural environment.
05
Minimal foundation footprint ensures the preservation of existing flora and fauna.

### Overview

The Natural Observation Tower is located in Pape Natural Park, designed to serve both human visitors and local wildlife within a wetland context. The cylindrical structure emphasizes ecological coexistence, positioning itself as both an observation point and a habitat for various species. This design integrates aesthetic considerations with functionality, employing a form that resonates with natural plant structures while promoting the twin goals of environmental stewardship and user engagement.

### Spatial and Structural Strategy

Central to the design is a spiral pathway that connects three observation levels, encouraging wildlife viewership while providing panoramic sightlines of the surrounding landscape. Each floor features partial openings, allowing for natural ventilation and light penetration while facilitating navigation for both people and animals. The cylindrical form minimizes ecological disruption, as the foundation is designed with a minimal footprint to preserve existing flora and fauna. Strategic placement reinforces harmony with the wetland ecosystem, ensuring the structure's longevity and viability in terms of environmental impact.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

A carefully selected palette of materials underpins the project’s sustainability ethos. Reclaimed wood forms the primary structural components, contributing to durability and reducing the demand for new resources. Metal elements provide structural support while maintaining aesthetic coherence, and glass facades enhance transparency, facilitating interaction with the natural environment. Additionally, features such as integrated faux bird nests promote wildlife habitation and education. The overall material strategy emphasizes a design that can withstand local climatic conditions while minimizing the environmental footprint, reflecting a commitment to responsible architectural practices.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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