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Elevated Walkway Constructed With Tempered Glass and Timber Cladding Overlooking Native Habitats

Authors:
Luca Gebhard, Pantea Rezvanipour
Elevated Walkway Constructed With Tempered Glass and Timber Cladding Overlooking Native Habitats

Project in-detail

Constructed with a gently sloped walkway of timber and large glass panels, this lakeside observation platform seamlessly integrates into its environment, offering an immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Features large tempered glass panes that provide unobstructed views while ensuring user safety.
03
Incorporates a gently sloped walkway that mimics the ascent of a bird in flight.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles as a protective and aesthetic cladding solution.
05
Surrounding landscape design includes native plant species to support local wildlife habitats.
The Bird's Walk is a contemporary architectural project designed to facilitate a unique interaction between users and the surrounding ecosystem. Located lakeside, the structure serves as a platform for bird observation, showcasing a seamless integration of natural elements with modern design. The design emphasizes sustainability and ecological awareness, making it an essential feature of its environment.

The primary function of the Bird's Walk is to provide an elevated viewing experience for individuals interested in observing local wildlife. The design incorporates various observation areas, including both indoor and outdoor platforms, to enhance the user experience throughout different seasons. Its layout allows visitors to engage with the landscape fully, fostering appreciation for biodiversity while promoting environmental stewardship.

Structural elements of the Bird's Walk feature a gently sloped walkway that guides users from ground level to an elevated platform, reminiscent of a bird's flight path. This intentional design encourages an immersive experience as visitors transition through different elevations, symbolizing the journey from earth to sky.

The architectural design integrates diverse materials, such as treated timber, glass, and steel, to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. Timber serves as the primary cladding and structural component, imparting warmth and a natural feel to the spaces. Large glass panels maximize visibility while protecting users from the elements. Additionally, steel is utilized for structural support, particularly crucial in elevated areas.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The structure's layout encourages interaction with the natural environment while adhering to principles of minimal environmental disruption. The landscape surrounding the Bird's Walk is deliberately designed to include native flora, enhancing habitat diversity and supporting local bird species. Signage throughout the site provides educational insights into local avifauna, further enriching the visitor experience.

Consideration of acoustics and sightlines is evident in the design, ensuring that users can engage with their surroundings without unnecessary distractions. Railing systems combine wood and glass to offer safety while maintaining unobstructed vistas of the landscape.

By advancing architectural integration with ecological principles, the Bird's Walk exemplifies how design can enrich human interactions with nature. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of this project, a more detailed presentation is available for exploration. Investigating these elements can provide additional context and understanding of the innovative architectural ideas embedded in the Bird's Walk.
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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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