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Elevated Viewing Platform Constructed with Hollow Steel and Natural Timber for Bird Observation

Authors:
Alkis Dikaios, Athos Dikaios, Iasonas Nicolaou
Elevated Viewing Platform Constructed with Hollow Steel and Natural Timber for Bird Observation

Project in-detail

Floating above the wetlands, the observation tower utilizes hollow steel structures and natural timber to provide an immersive bird-watching experience while minimizing ecological impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a floating structure that minimizes ground disruption in wetland areas.
02
Hollow steel tubes create a lightweight framework that supports the observation platforms.
03
Natural timber elements introduce warmth and comfort while ensuring sustainability.
04
The tower's staggered platforms are arranged for optimal bird-watching perspectives.
05
Transparent guardrails maintain unobstructed views of the surrounding biodiversity.
The Pape Nature Park Bird Observation Tower is a thoughtful architectural endeavor that marries functionality with ecological sensitivity in a serene natural setting. This project serves an important role in promoting environmental awareness and creating a space where visitors can engage with the rich biodiversity of the park, known for its unique avian habitats. The observation tower not only provides a vantage point for bird watching but also stands as a reminder of our responsibility towards the environment.

Architecturally, the design reflects a commitment to minimizing ecological disruption while offering a user-friendly experience. The tower incorporates lightweight materials such as hollow steel tubes, which form the structural framework, and wooden platforms that offer warmth and comfort to users. This choice of materials emphasizes a philosophy of immateriality, allowing the structure to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. By utilizing lightweight concrete for micropile foundations, the construction process mitigates the impact on the wet soils of the park, ensuring a minimal footprint.

The design includes a series of staggered observation platforms connected by an open staircase, facilitating not only vertical movement but also a diverse spatial experience for visitors. Each platform is strategically placed at varying elevations to enhance the bird-watching experience, allowing observers to gather different perspectives of the landscape and wildlife. This design promotes accessibility for all visitors while encouraging interaction with nature, creating an educational platform embedded within the architectural vision.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The emphasis on immateriality reshapes traditional perceptions of architectural presence, as the tower appears to float gently above the marshland. Transparent guardrails made of lightweight materials ensure safety without obstructing views, maintaining the focus on the unspoiled environment while supporting user security. The modular assembly of the structure speaks to efficient construction practices, ensuring that the tower can be assembled and disassembled with minimal environmental impact, aligning with contemporary values in sustainable architecture.

Furthermore, the overall integration of the structure within the park reinforces a seamless connection between built form and natural landscape. The careful selection of materials and construction methods reflects a broader commitment to ecological sensitivity. The observation tower acts not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of the ongoing dialogue between humans and nature. It promotes a sense of stewardship and understanding of the local ecosystem, fostering a deeper appreciation for biodiversity among visitors.

For those interested in further exploring this architectural project, the detailed architectural plans and sections provide insightful perspectives into the design processes and thought behind the tower. Engaging with the architectural designs and ideas can enhance one’s understanding of how the project successfully balances aesthetic appeal, functional purpose, and environmental consciousness. Visitors are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of this project to appreciate the nuances and innovations that make the Pape Nature Park Bird Observation Tower a noteworthy example of thoughtful architecture in harmony with nature.
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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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