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Elevated Viewing Platform With Eco-Composites and Fabric Canopy in Natural Wetlands

Authors:
Paul Panassow, Benjamin Nahum, Akirah Dominique Hixon, Danielle Vickers
Elevated Viewing Platform With Eco-Composites and Fabric Canopy in Natural Wetlands

Project in-detail

Constructed with eco-composite materials and a fabric canopy, the elevated platform offers unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands while facilitating wildlife observation and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using eco-composite materials for reduced environmental impact.
02
Features a fabric canopy that enhances visual engagement with the surroundings.
03
Includes strategically placed bird-blind structures for unobtrusive observation.
04
The winding boardwalk design promotes interaction with the natural landscape.
05
Incorporates amber lighting to minimize disruption to local wildlife.
The birdwatching platform located at Big Slough is an architectural intervention designed to enhance wildlife observation while respecting the surrounding natural environment. The platform serves as a multi-functional space that integrates seamlessly with the wetland landscape, promoting environmental education and recreational opportunities for visitors.

The project features a well-defined structure, characterized by its elevated viewing points that allow visitors to observe bird species in their natural habitat. The design utilizes a combination of efficient structural elements and sustainable materials to minimize its ecological footprint while maximizing its functionality. The choice of location within the marshlands is purposeful, allowing easy access to various wildlife species while maintaining the integrity of the ecological system.

Design Integration with Environment
This project stands out due to its thoughtful integration with the surrounding ecosystem. The platform and accompanying boardwalk are constructed using wood composites, which provide durability while ensuring a lower environmental impact. The use of galvanized stainless steel for structural connections offers strength without overwhelming the site visually or functionally.

Strategic placement of bird-blind structures along the approach route allows for close-up observations without disturbing wildlife. These features optimize visitor engagement with nature and encourage a deeper understanding of local biodiversity. Furthermore, the pitch of the roof and the incorporation of architectural fabric panels ensure both shelter and visual permeability, connecting users to the landscape while protecting them from the elements.

Innovative Approach to Visitor Engagement
The design uniquely emphasizes visitor interaction with the natural environment. The winding boardwalk not only leads to the primary observation platform but also serves as an interpretive path displaying information about the local ecosystem. This educational corridor integrates signage and materials that inform visitors about the flora and fauna, fostering a sense of responsibility toward conservation.

Lighting solutions have been incorporated to minimize light pollution, utilizing amber-colored fixtures that promote nighttime ecosystem health. The strategic illumination aids in user navigation while maintaining the tranquil habitat needed for nocturnal wildlife.

The architectural plans, sections, and designs are meticulously crafted to reflect a commitment to sustainability and to facilitate the user experience within a natural setting. This platform invites users to deepen their understanding of avian life and promotes the importance of preserving natural habitats.

For more insights into this architectural project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and unique design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. This space offers a comprehensive look at how modern architecture can positively influence environmental awareness and community engagement.
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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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