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Elevated Observation Platform Featuring Sustainable Glass Facades and Native Flora Integration

Authors:
Daniel Caven, Miguel Alvarez, Matt Nyweide, Junjie Tan
Elevated Observation Platform Featuring Sustainable Glass Facades and Native Flora Integration

Project in-detail

An elevated structure with transparent glass facades and integrated native vegetation offers a unique platform for observing avian life while promoting ecological education in a harmonious wetland environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated multi-tiered platform enhances visibility and minimizes disruption to wildlife.
02
Extensive use of glass panels creates seamless indoor-outdoor connections for visitors.
03
Integration of nesting boxes encourages bird habitation within the structure.
04
Native vegetation on roofs promotes biodiversity and ecological balance.
05
Proactive design features mitigate environmental flooding risks effectively.

### Overview

Located in a dynamic environmental context, the project "Flip the Bird" serves as a nature observation platform focused on avian life. Its intent is to foster engagement with local ecology while creating a visually distinct architectural statement. The structure harmonizes with its natural surroundings, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts through its design.

### Spatial Strategy

The design features an elevated structure that allows for unobstructed views of the wetlands, minimizing human disturbance to local wildlife. Multi-tiered platforms interconnected by open staircases enhance visitor interaction and adaptability to varying weather conditions. Each tier is strategically oriented to optimize observational opportunities, facilitating a connection between visitors and the natural environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Reinforced concrete provides a solid foundation, while a lightweight steel framework enables a multi-layered design without obstructing views. Extensive use of glass panels dissolves barriers between occupants and nature, enhancing visibility. Wood elements contribute warmth and comfort to the spaces. Additionally, the incorporation of vegetation on the roofs encourages biodiversity and integrates the structure with its surroundings. This approach not only fosters a coexistence with local wildlife but also addresses potential environmental concerns, such as flooding, ensuring the building's resilience and longevity.

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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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