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Elevated Viewing Platform Featuring Sustainable Timber and Steel Construction for Avian Observation

Authors:
Ximena Joannon, Nicole Altamirano, Jacinta Badilla, Javier Bonitto
Elevated Viewing Platform Featuring Sustainable Timber and Steel Construction for Avian Observation

Project in-detail

Crafted from sustainable timber and reinforced with a robust steel frame, the elevated observation platform offers an unobstructed vantage point for visitors to engage with the diverse avian life inhabiting Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a permeable wooden deck that allows for natural water drainage and prevents waterlogging in the wetlands below.
02
Incorporates large glass panels for unobstructed views while minimizing the visual footprint on the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes a reinforced steel frame that provides durability without compromising the overall lightweight design.
04
Designed with vertical elements mimicking tree branches to enhance integration into the natural environment.
05
Emphasizes accessibility with a gentle ramp that accommodates all visitors, promoting inclusivity in nature observation.
The Bird Cage is an innovative architectural project located within the tranquil setting of Kemeri National Park in Latvia. This design represents a harmonious intersection between human interaction and carefully curated ecological awareness. By serving both as an observation point and a platform for educational outreach, the project emphasizes the importance of preserving avian habitats while providing a unique environment for visitors to connect with nature.

Functionally, the Bird Cage is intended to facilitate bird-watching and educate the public about the diverse avian species inhabiting the park. The structure elevates visitors above the wetland landscape, offering clear sightlines for observing wildlife while minimizing disruption to their natural behavior. This thoughtful design fosters an appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems and the role they play in supporting biodiversity.

The architectural design features a combination of materials that promote sustainability and visual harmony with the surroundings. The predominant use of wood throughout the structure emphasizes warmth and a sense of belonging, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of the environment. Steel, used in the structural framework, provides the necessary durability while maintaining a lightweight quality, allowing the building to rise gracefully above the wetland without overwhelming its natural context. Glass elements are strategically placed to enhance the visitors' experience by offering unobstructed views of the landscape, thereby integrating indoor and outdoor environments.

A key aspect of the Bird Cage is its elevation, which not only provides an immersive perspective for visitors but also safeguards the delicate flora and fauna in the wetlands below. The design includes features such as a wooden permeable deck that supports proper drainage while allowing rainwater to be collected and reused, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable architectural practices. Throughout the design, careful consideration has been given to the layout, promoting accessibility and ensuring that all visitors, regardless of mobility, can engage fully with the experience.

The unique design approaches taken in this project extend beyond materials and structural considerations; they encompass a philosophy of providing an educational platform. The Bird Cage serves not just as a physical structure but as a symbol of conservation efforts. Spaces within the building strategically encourage interaction, with seating areas providing a place for reflection and observation. This integration of function and purpose promotes a deeper understanding of the natural world and the vital need to protect it.

Moreover, the architectural design includes features that mimic natural forms, such as the use of vertical elements that resemble tree branches. This aspect not only enriches the visitor experience but also ties the structure closely to its surroundings, reinforcing the connection between nature and architecture. Such thoughtful design introspection creates a sense of place that feels authentic and grounded within the context of Kemeri National Park.

To explore the full depth of this thoughtful architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, readers are encouraged to delve into the project's presentation. This exploration will provide further insights into the intricacies of the Bird Cage and the ideas that shaped its design approach, revealing how architecture can facilitate a greater understanding of and respect for the natural environment.
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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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