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Floating Ecosystems and Curvilinear Pathways with Treated Timber Structures for Enhanced Birdwatching Experiences

Authors:
Mohammed Alhamoudi, Tanya Sharma, Mathew Townsley
Floating Ecosystems and Curvilinear Pathways with Treated Timber Structures for Enhanced Birdwatching Experiences

Project in-detail

Elevated viewing pods constructed from treated wood and designed with curvilinear pathways integrate seamlessly into a floating ecosystem, enhancing the birdwatching experience within Pape Nature Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated pods feature triangular paneling for optimal daylight and ventilation.
02
Curvilinear pathways guide visitors through the natural landscape seamlessly.
03
Floating ecosystem designed to attract both resident and migratory bird species.
04
Modular construction allows for flexible assembly on-site or prefabrication.
05
Utilizes pressure-treated wood to minimize environmental impact and enhance durability.

### Project Overview
Located in Pape Nature Park, the Avian Acquisition project aims to enhance birdwatching experiences while promoting ecological awareness and biodiversity. By thoughtfully integrating observation spaces with the existing natural habitat, the design encourages visitors to engage with both local and migratory bird populations through strategically placed viewing platforms and environmental features.

### Architectural Elements
**Viewing Pods**: Two lakeside pods serve as primary observation points. Constructed from pressure-treated wood, these lightweight structures feature triangular paneling that harmonizes with natural forms, providing ample natural light and ventilation. Elevated platforms offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, enriching the visitor experience.

**Boardwalk Pathway**: The connecting boardwalk, composed of pressure-treated wood for durability, winds gently through the landscape. This design invites a leisurely pace, encouraging visitors to explore and interact with their environment more fully.

**Floating Ecosystem**: An engineered fish habitat and floating gardens aim to attract migratory birds closer to the viewing areas. This ecosystem not only serves as a food source for wildlife but also offers a practical demonstration of sustainable water management and ecological restoration practices.

### Materiality
The project employs a selection of materials prioritizing sustainability and structural efficiency. Pressure-treated wood ensures longevity against environmental factors, while steel joint plates reinforce the structural framing without significant weight. Additionally, the durable, weather-resistant shingled roof panels maintain a visual connection to the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Dynamics
The design promotes a multi-sensory experience by providing varied visual perspectives across different ecosystems, such as marshes and prairies. Integration with the natural terrain and local flora cultivates deeper connections between visitors and the ecosystem, encouraging meaningful engagement with the park's biodiversity.

### Unique Aspects
**Modular and Accessible Design**: The viewing pods and boardwalk pathways can be prefabricated or assembled on-site, allowing for adaptability to specific site conditions and ensuring a more efficient installation process.

**Sustainable Practices**: Emphasizing minimal ecological disruption, the project implements strategies such as the use of renewable materials and habitat restoration, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship throughout its construction and operational phases.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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