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Engineered Wood Tower With Integrated Skyport for Eco-Research Focus

Author:
Henry Roberts
Engineered Wood Tower With Integrated Skyport for Eco-Research Focus

Project in-detail

Engineered wood forms the core structure of a vertical tower designed to function as a research facility and living space, complete with a skyport for efficient supply delivery and focused on enhancing sustainable forestry management efforts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy adaptability in various ecological contexts.
02
Incorporates a skyport for efficient delivery of supplies and equipment.
03
Engineered wood construction minimizes environmental impact and carbon footprint.
04
Includes off-grid amenities for water harvesting and greywater recycling.
05
Features dedicated observation areas for real-time forestry management.

The Forest Scraper is located in ecological corridors of China and Sub-Saharan Africa, where it aims to meet the growing need for sustainable living and forestry management. The design functions as both a residence and a research facility focused on environmental stewardship. By embracing a modular approach, the structure creates a space that integrates dwelling and work, fostering the simultaneous pursuit of ecological awareness and community engagement.

Structural Organization

Designed around a central core, the building maximizes the use of vertical space. Living areas for staff are arranged in layers, offering personal rooms alongside shared spaces. This layout strikes a balance between privacy and community interaction. Communal areas are positioned on higher floors to provide expansive views of the landscape, allowing occupants to feel connected to their natural surroundings.

Functional Amenities

The structure includes important research facilities and observation areas that are vital for monitoring forest health and managing resources. By housing these functions within the tower, the design supports continuous engagement with forestry practices. This addresses the unique challenges faced by reforestation efforts in the green belt regions.

Sustainable Practices

The Forest Scraper features off-grid living amenities, such as systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. These aspects enhance the building’s self-sufficiency and support its sustainable goals. The incorporation of energy-generating systems further reduces dependence on external resources, aligning with contemporary ecological standards.

Material Choice

Engineered wood is a key material in the construction of the Forest Scraper, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This choice not only provides structural strength but also helps minimize the project’s carbon footprint. Using engineered wood exemplifies responsible sourcing and helps to address some of the environmental concerns linked to traditional building materials.

At the top of the structure, a skyport facilitates the efficient delivery of supplies. This design feature also ensures minimal disturbance to the natural environment surrounding the tower. It emphasizes a blend of function and environmental consideration, reinforcing the project's overall goal of promoting sustainable forestry and community welfare.

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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

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