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Elevated Timber Walkways Merging Nature and Accessibility

Author:
David Graham
Elevated Timber Walkways Merging Nature and Accessibility

Project in-detail

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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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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