Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Fire-Red Footbridge and Iron Waffle Structure Enhancing Canyon Views

Authors:
Ali Zolfaghari, Sina Sadeghi, Sina Gozashteh, Mahyar Jalali
Fire-Red Footbridge and Iron Waffle Structure Enhancing Canyon Views

Project in-detail

The fire-red footbridge, constructed with an iron waffle system and enveloped in metal mesh, seamlessly integrates with the canyon's natural topography to create an observation platform that enhances views of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation platform is designed as a temporary habitat, emphasizing functionality over luxury.
02
The footbridge's red color is inspired by the natural flow of lava, enhancing visibility.
03
An iron waffle structure provides significant strength while minimizing material use.
04
Metal mesh envelops the structure, creating a sustainable container for filled gravels.
05
CNC laser-cut technology allows for precise fabrication of components, streamlining construction.

The design is an observation platform set within a canyon, aimed at enhancing the user experience of the natural environment. The overall concept revolves around creating a temporary habitat referred to as a "stone-tent." The focus is on functionality rather than luxury, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360° view that fosters engagement with the surrounding landscape. A footbridge extends this interaction, flowing along the natural topography and inviting people to explore further.

Structural Approach

The foundation of the design uses a waffle system, which provides significant strength while being cost-effective. This innovative solution reduces the amount of material needed, lowering the construction footprint without sacrificing safety. The design incorporates CNC laser-cut technology to create components from iron sheets, leading to greater efficiency in both manufacturing time and expense.

Design of the Footbridge

A notable feature is the footbridge, framed in a fire-red hue, inspired by the concept of flowing lava. This visual connection to natural elements enhances the bridge's visibility and establishes it as an important landmark even in poor weather conditions. The bold color choice contributes to safety, ensuring users can easily see the structure as they walk along it.

Material Choices

Another important aspect of the design is the use of a metal mesh that envelops the waffle structure. This mesh serves as a container for filled gravels, fulfilling both aesthetic and functional roles. By utilizing this method, the design minimizes the need for extensive excavation, thus promoting a more environmentally friendly construction process. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to durability while respecting the surrounding landscape.

The observation platform and footbridge work together to create opportunities for visitors to connect with the natural beauty of the canyon. The straightforward structural approach and thoughtful use of materials enhance the experience, allowing for interaction with the environment. This design emphasizes a relationship between the built and the natural, encouraging appreciation of the landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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