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Elevated Viewing Experience with Kerto Wood and Willow in a Sustainable Observation Tower

Authors:
Hans Hohl, Rebecca Reinle
Elevated Viewing Experience with Kerto Wood and Willow in a Sustainable Observation Tower

Project in-detail

Utilizing Kerto wood and locally sourced willow, the observation tower stands elevated above the landscape, offering a unique vantage point for birdwatching while promoting sustainable interaction with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Kerto wood for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates locally sourced willow for aesthetic and ecological resonance.
03
Features a winding staircase that offers varied observation levels.
04
Designed with modular observation platforms to accommodate diverse user needs.
05
Connects multiple points of interest through a naturally inspired bridge structure.

## Overview

The proposed bird observation tower at the Pape Bird Observation site is designed to enhance the experience of avian observation while fostering community engagement and promoting sustainability. The structure draws inspiration from natural forms, particularly those of bird nests, and aims to provide unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding environment. The design incorporates both aesthetic and functional elements, marrying the observation needs of visitors with the ecological context of the site.

## Structural and Material Considerations

### Sustainable Materiality

The project prioritizes sustainability through the use of Kerto wood products and local willow. Kerto, a laminated veneer lumber, offers mechanical strength coupled with environmental benefits, making it an ideal choice for durable, low-maintenance construction. The incorporation of these materials not only aligns with sustainable practices but also minimizes the ecological footprint of the building process.

### Structural Features

The tower is elevated by micro-poles that allow it to coexist harmoniously with its natural surroundings. It features a winding staircase that leads visitors through various observation levels, providing multiple perspectives of the landscape. Additionally, the bridge connecting these elements is designed as a self-supporting structure composed of three modular components. Its V-shaped form maintains structural integrity while enhancing the user experience through unobstructed views.

## Observation Platforms and User Engagement

The design includes multiple observation platforms tailored to different visitor needs. The primary circular platform accommodates up to five individuals, while a larger area supports group gatherings and interactions. The varied platform sizes ensure adaptability for diverse visitor requirements.

The layout and design of the tower and bridge facilitate an immersive experience, encouraging environmental awareness and deeper engagement with avian behaviors. By integrating natural imagery with traditional building materials, the project fosters a dialogue between culture and nature, strengthening its significance within the community.

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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
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