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Elevated Timber Walkways Merging Nature and Accessibility

Author:
David Graham
Elevated Timber Walkways Merging Nature and Accessibility
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Elevated walkways woven through natural foliage utilize finger-jointed timber to enhance accessibility and provide unique views of the landscape, creating an inclusive public space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated ramps provide diverse viewpoints of the national park landscape.
02
Construction employs prefabricated kits for efficient assembly at height.
03
Integration of walkways with existing trees enhances the natural experience.
04
Finger-jointed timbers create sturdy beams while minimizing waste.
05
Metal grill flooring offers visual connection to the ground below.

The project focuses on an integrated approach to pathways and a tower designed for disabled access within a national park. The aim is to enhance the visitor experience while ensuring that all users can engage with the surroundings. The design encourages movement and interaction with nature, allowing people to explore the park's beauty through its pathways.

Architecture Concept

The concept combines walkways and the access tower into a single structure. This approach allows the ramps, which provide access for individuals with disabilities, to also serve as pathways for all visitors. As users ascend, they will encounter various views of the park, creating an enriching experience that emphasizes the natural environment.

Ramp Placement

The ramp's placement is vital for connecting the built environment with the landscape. By positioning the ramps amid existing trees and foliage, the design respects the natural setting while enhancing the experience of those using the pathways. Each elevation opens up new perspectives, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the park's topography and surroundings.

Construction Methodology

To ensure an efficient building process, the project proposes a construction method that involves prefabrication. The walkways will be assembled from kits at ground level before being raised onto pre-set poles. This method reduces disruption to the landscape and makes the construction process simpler and quicker.

Materials and Structural Elements

Interlocking finger-jointed timbers are mentioned as structural components, bonded together on-site to create strong beams. Areas of metal grill flooring will also be part of the design, allowing people to look down at the ground below as they walk above. This connection between the structure and nature adds to the architectural experience.

The ramps rise through the trees, guiding visitors along pathways that ensure everyone can explore and enjoy the park's offerings, reinforcing the importance of accessibility in the overall design.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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