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Elevated Observation Platform Crafted from Sustainable Timber with Transparent Facades for Wildlife Engagement

Authors:
Edward Pryke, Charlotte Stone
Elevated Observation Platform Crafted from Sustainable Timber with Transparent Facades for Wildlife Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from sustainable timber and designed with transparent facades, the observation platform offers uninterrupted views of avian habitats while serving as an educational hub for wildlife enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced cross-laminated timber, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal structural performance while maximizing interior space.
04
Includes a 360-degree observation deck that provides extensive views of local bird habitats.
05
Incorporates sustainable rainwater management systems to support ecological preservation efforts.

### Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located within the Pape nature reserve, an area noted for its ecological sensitivity and rich birdlife. Designed as both an observatory and educational resource, the tower aims to facilitate visitor engagement with the surrounding landscape while offering comprehensive views of the avifauna. The project incorporates innovative architectural concepts that align with the intent of enhancing human interaction with nature.

### Design and Spatial Organization

#### Structural Composition

Constructed with a timber frame system based on a grid-like layout, the tower's design provides stability and supports its elevated structure. The lower level features a wooden platform that invites direct interaction with the environment and serves as a gathering area for community activities. The tower offers two main viewing areas: an enclosed space on the ground floor with large glass windows and an open observation deck on the first floor. This arrangement enables a fluid transition between sheltered and open environments, catering to different visitor experiences.

#### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

The choice of materials emphasizes both durability and sustainability, incorporating timber, marine-grade concrete, corrugated metal sheeting, and glass. Timber frames were selected for their lightweight yet sturdy properties, making them ideal for elevated structures exposed to varying weather conditions. Marine-grade concrete employed for the foundation guarantees longevity against moisture, while the corrugated metal roofing and extensive glazing work in tandem to enhance natural light penetration and connection with the external landscape. This thoughtful materiality not only supports structural integrity but also aligns with ecological conservation principles central to the tower's design ethos.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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