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Elevated Viewing Platform Crafted from Locally Sourced Timber with Modular Canopies

Authors:
Russell Norton Buchanan, Jake Bennett Schlabs
Elevated Viewing Platform Crafted from Locally Sourced Timber with Modular Canopies

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced timber and featuring modular canvas canopies, the elevated structure provides an accessible platform for observing the diverse wildlife and scenic vistas of the surrounding natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced timber to reduce environmental impact.
02
Modular canopy system provides adjustable shade for visitor comfort.
03
Includes accessibility ramps ensuring compliance with ADA standards.
04
Strategically oriented for optimal views of Silver Lake and Big Slough.
05
Features wildlife observation points integrated into the design.

### Overview

The Legendary Highway 14 Tower is located near Silver Lake in South Dakota, designed to enhance the appreciation of the surrounding natural landscapes. The project integrates historical references with modern functionality, serving as a viewing platform that promotes exploration and engagement with the ecological and cultural context of the area.

### Structural and Material Attributes

The design features a trestle-like timber structure, constructed primarily from locally sourced timber. Vertical columns and horizontal beams create an open framework, allowing unobstructed views of Silver Lake and Big Slough. The modular design includes ramps, landings, and multiple viewing platforms, facilitating efficient construction and ongoing maintenance. Adjustable canvas canopies provide shade, enhancing visitor comfort, while steel connections ensure structural integrity and design flexibility. The bold red accents on the viewing platforms increase visibility against the natural backdrop.

### Accessibility and Engagement

The design prioritizes accessibility, adhering to ADA compliance to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. This inclusivity fosters community engagement and equitable access to natural spaces. The strategic orientation of the tower offers panoramic views while promoting immersive experiences with the environment. The surrounding master plan includes a network of trails, encouraging exploration and interaction with the local history and ecology. By minimizing environmental disruption, the project preserves habitats and supports visitor engagement with local wildlife, particularly bird observation, further enriching the overall user experience.

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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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