Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.
"The Perch" is an architectural design project that emphasizes the relationship between built structures and their natural surroundings. This project is conceptualized as an elevated platform that allows visitors to engage with the environment from a unique panoramic perspective. It is designed to foster an appreciation for nature while providing a functional observation point.

The core function of "The Perch" is to serve as a viewing tower, enabling users to experience the landscape from a higher vantage point. The structure is informed by the organic forms of nature, resembling a tree with its verticality and branch-like extensions. This design invites contemplation and exploration of the surrounding environment, highlighting the harmony between architecture and nature.

Material Selection and Structural Elements

The design employs a combination of materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The primary façade consists of bent and warped wood planks, which replicate the texture and character of tree bark. This choice not only contributes to the organic theme of the project but also utilizes materials that are often considered for adaptive reuse, minimizing waste.

The structural framework incorporates steel beams and studs, providing essential support for the elevated platform. Internally, the space features oak flooring, adding warmth to the interior, while plywood sheathing is used for wall surfaces, ensuring durability and ease of construction. The foundation is constructed of concrete, guaranteeing stability for the tower's height.

Unique Design Approaches

A significant aspect of "The Perch" is its alignment with the North Star, which serves as an anchor point for visitor orientation. This feature encourages users to contemplate their surroundings and enhances the overall experience of elevation. The spiral staircase, made from a metal frame with wooden treads, is designed not only for access but also as a visual guide, drawing attention to the gradual ascent towards the viewing platform.

Natural light plays a critical role in the design, with strategically placed window openings that allow sunlight to filter into the interior space. This interaction creates a dynamic atmosphere, changing throughout the day and reflecting the progression of time.

Environmental Integration

Located within a landscape that includes green fields and rolling topography, "The Perch" integrates seamlessly with its environment. The entrance gently connects the structure with the ground, creating a smooth transition that minimizes disruption to the natural setting.

This project presents a forward-thinking architectural response to contemporary design challenges, focusing on sustainability and user experience. "The Perch" stands as a noteworthy example of how architecture can be informed by and, in turn, enhance its natural context.

To explore "The Perch" further, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural details, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its design and functional elements.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy