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Elevated Viewing Platform Crafted From Warped Wood and Steel Integrating Natural Light

Authors:
Mark Alan Iii Geiss, Joseph Seelhammer, John Meyer
Elevated Viewing Platform Crafted From Warped Wood and Steel Integrating Natural Light

Project in-detail

Crafted from warped wood and steel, this elevated viewing platform invites visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape while seamlessly integrating natural light to enhance the experience of observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using warped wood to mimic organic forms in nature.
02
Features a bent A-frame design to enhance structural integrity.
03
Integrates natural light through strategically placed openings.
04
Elevated platform aligns with the North Star for orientation.
05
Constructed with an adaptive reuse approach to minimize waste.

### Project Overview

The Perch is an architectural design situated within a landscape that emphasizes a relationship with the natural environment. The structure is intended to provide elevated views and facilitate a direct engagement with its surroundings, fostering a contemplative experience for visitors while positioning itself within the context of its green fields and varied topography.

### Structural Characteristics

The design is defined by a tall, slender silhouette that invokes the form of a tree, with protruding elements reminiscent of branches reaching skyward. The viewing platform at the apex aligns with the North Star, enhancing the connection between architecture and celestial navigation. The primary structure employs a framework of steel beams and studs, ensuring stability. The façade features bent and warped wood planks, simulating natural textures associated with tree bark. Interior finishes include oak flooring for warmth and plywood sheathing for the walls. Natural lighting is thoughtfully incorporated through strategically placed window openings, allowing for a dynamic play of light throughout the day.

### Sustainable Practices

The materials selected for The Perch largely consist of what are categorized as "rejected goods," demonstrating an adaptive reuse approach that minimizes waste and promotes sustainability. This not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances the overall design narrative, encouraging visitors to foster a greater awareness and appreciation for their natural surroundings. The integration of biodegradable materials and a concrete foundation provides a balance of durability and ecological responsibility, reinforcing the structure's commitment to sustainability.

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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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