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Elevated Observatories Crafted From Steel and Timber Enhancing Nature Engagement

Authors:
Chris Chown, Helene Lee
Elevated Observatories Crafted From Steel and Timber Enhancing Nature Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from steel and wood, the elevated observation towers seamlessly blend with the landscape, inviting visitors to engage with the local ecosystem through thoughtfully designed pathways and interactive spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and structural integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance while contributing to the aesthetic appeal.
03
Elevated observation towers offer unique vantage points for immersive wildlife experiences.
04
Interactive pathways are integrated with native plant species to support local biodiversity.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes space while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.
The project "Formed Collective" represents a compelling fusion of architecture and nature, establishing a framework that fosters human interaction with the surrounding environment. This architectural design project focuses on creating a series of observation structures that invite visitors to engage with the local ecosystem while appreciating the intricacies of flora and fauna. Through its design, the project aims to enhance awareness of biodiversity and promote a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

Functionally, "Formed Collective" serves as both a recreational pathway and an observational tool. It provides structured access to different areas of the landscape, enabling exploration and observation in an inviting manner. The pathways are carefully designed to facilitate movement across various terrains, offering immersive experiences that align with the architectural vision. The observation towers, strategically placed within the site, enhance the visitor experience by providing elevated vantage points from which to view surrounding ecological systems.

The project is characterized by a thoughtful attention to materiality, which plays a crucial role in its structural integrity and aesthetic coherence. The choice of materials, including steel, glass, concrete, and wood, showcases a commitment to durability and sustainability. Steel is utilized for structural elements, ensuring stability while allowing for expansive spans and innovative forms. Glass is incorporated to create transparency and fluidity, allowing visitors unobstructed views of the natural landscape. Concrete serves as the foundational material for pathways, ensuring longevity, while wood infuses warmth and sensory appeal into the design, grounding the structures within their contextual environment.

A unique aspect of the design lies in its ecological integration. The pathways are interspersed with planters that promote local vegetation and create habitats for wildlife. By enhancing the local ecosystem, the project addresses broader concerns around biodiversity and ecological continuity. Bird observatories built into the design provide nesting areas and platforms for local avian species. This thoughtful incorporation of biodiversity measures not only enriches the natural environment but also serves as an educational tool, encouraging visitors to learn about and advocate for ecological stewardship.

The design also emphasizes user interaction, prompting visitors to not only observe but actively engage with their surroundings. The layout of the pathways and observation points is carefully curated to offer varied experiences—encouraging visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the subtleties of nature. Seating areas and resting places are designed to create opportunities for contemplation, allowing visitors to connect with the environment on a deeper level.

Through these unique design approaches, "Formed Collective" articulates a vision for architecture that prioritizes engagement with nature while promoting sustainable practices. It challenges traditional notions of architectural boundaries by creating spaces that encourage dialogue and interaction between species, fostering an understanding of the delicate balance within natural systems.

For a more in-depth understanding of "Formed Collective," including detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. Discover how this thoughtful architectural design not only reshapes the physical landscape but also enriches the human experience within it.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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