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Elevated Viewing Platform Constructed with Grid Mesh and Preserved Timber in a Natural Wetland Setting

Author:
Raul Naghiyev
Elevated Viewing Platform Constructed with Grid Mesh and Preserved Timber in a Natural Wetland Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with preserved timber and grid mesh, the Observation Tower offers a seamless vantage point over the wetlands of Kemeri National Park, enhancing visitor accessibility and engagement with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using preserved timber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Integrated grid mesh for safety without obstructing views.
03
Elevated footbridge enhances accessibility to the observation deck.
04
Design features strategic cutouts that frame specific scenic vistas.
05
Pathways follow existing trails, preserving the natural landscape.

### Overview

The Observation Tower at Kemeri National Park in Latvia is designed to enhance visitors' experience of the park's diverse landscapes, including wetlands and forests. This architectural initiative prioritizes a connection between users and the natural environment, positioning itself as both a destination and vantage point for observation and exploration.

### Accessibility and Environmental Stewardship

The design incorporates an extensive pathway, referred to as "The Path," which leads to the observation platform while ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges through the addition of an accompanying footbridge. This consideration of inclusivity is complemented by the preservation of existing pathways and trees, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. The integration of these elements supports sustainable architectural practices while allowing visitors of all ages to engage with the park's natural surroundings.

### Material Selection and Structural Composition

A careful selection of materials has been made to ensure functionality, aesthetic appeal, and ecological sustainability. The primary material used is preserved wood, chosen for its low environmental impact. Non-slip wooden boards are applied along pathways for safety, while a grid mesh is utilized in the observation tower to enhance structural integrity. The Observation Tower itself features a multi-level design, comprising a lower deck and an upper observation area, which provides varied heights for viewing. The use of cutouts and frames in the observation area directs visitors' attention to significant natural features in the landscape, thereby enriching their engagement with the park.

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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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