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Elevated Observation with Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Fibers in a Wetland Environment

Authors:
Ariane Lourie Harrison, Seth Harrison, Spring Wu, Eileen Xu
Elevated Observation with Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Fibers in a Wetland Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood shingles and natural fibers, the observation tower offers a sustainable interface for wildlife engagement within the wetland ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from charred wood shingles, enhancing fire resistance and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and eco-friendliness.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize sightlines and minimize environmental impact.
04
Incorporates invasive Phragmites as a design element to support local biodiversity.
05
Elevated pathways connect various observation points while reducing disruption to the wetland.

### Project Overview

The bird observation tower is situated within Pape Nature Park, a region distinguished by its diverse wetland ecosystems. The design aims to facilitate a structured observation experience for visitors while ensuring minimal disruption to the natural environment. Key objectives include enhancing human interaction with wildlife and promoting environmental awareness through thoughtful architectural strategies and material use.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout comprises an interconnected network of paths and observation platforms at various elevations—lower, middle, and upper.

- **Observation Tower:** This multi-level structure accommodates different group sizes, providing diverse viewing options. It encourages solitary reflection as well as communal experiences in nature observation.

- **Footbridges:** Elevated walkways connect different areas of the park and are designed to minimize environmental impact while offering unique vistas of the surrounding ecosystem.

- **Curvilinear Pathways:** These meandering routes mimic natural topography, fostering organic interactions between visitors and the landscape.

### Material Selection

Material choices are critical for both sustainability and visual integration:

1. **Wood Finishes:** Selected for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth, treated timber ensures durability under wetland conditions.

2. **Natural Fibers:** Materials such as Phragmites australis are utilized for façade elements, enhancing ecological functionality while blending seamlessly with local plant life.

3. **Reinforced Concrete:** This material forms the foundation and structural support, providing stability without imposing on the surroundings.

4. **Glass:** Transparent components minimize visual barriers, allowing unobstructed views of the wetlands, which encourages connection with the habitat.

### Ecological Integration

The project creatively incorporates native and invasive vegetation into its design. By utilizing species like Phragmites, which often present management challenges, the project transforms them into ecological assets. This approach not only showcases architectural innovation but also serves as an educational tool, underscoring the importance of biodiversity and habitat preservation within the community context.

Overall, the project effectively balances functional needs, aesthetic aspirations, and environmental considerations, fostering deeper engagement with the natural environment while promoting continued stewardship and awareness among visitors.

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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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