Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Floating Observation Cabin Crafted From Sustainable Timber and Glass Overlooking Avian Habitats

Authors:
Siyang Zhang, Yihang Fan
Floating Observation Cabin Crafted From Sustainable Timber and Glass Overlooking Avian Habitats

Project in-detail

Elevated above the lake, this floating cabin constructed with timber and glass offers unobstructed views into a critical bird habitat, serving as a dedicated space for nature observation and ecotourism.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure adapts to varying water levels, minimizing environmental impact.
02
Panoramic glass observation room offers 360-degree views of the lake.
03
Use of locally sourced wood enhances sustainability and aesthetic integration.
04
Ecological shoals surrounding the cabin support local bird species.
05
Modular design allows for flexibility in space usage and visitor experience.

### Overview

Located at Nongmo Lake in Ruili City, Yunnan Province, this architectural project is designed primarily to enhance birdwatching experiences while serving as a hotel and observation space. The design promotes sustainable interaction with the local wildlife by harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment, which is rich in biodiversity and situated along migratory routes for various bird species.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The structure features a two-level layout aimed at maximizing the birdwatching experience. The first floor includes essential living spaces and observation areas, designed to welcome natural light while providing shelter. The second level houses a panoramic glass observation room, allowing for 360-degree views and eliminating visual obstructions, thereby facilitating uninterrupted birdwatching. User experience is further enhanced by multiple vantage points for observing avian behavior, catering to both standing and sitting perspectives.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

A careful selection of materials underlines the project’s ecological focus. Wood is used for structural elements and finishes, creating a natural aesthetic that complements the environment, while glass is employed predominantly in observation areas to provide unobstructed views and allow natural light to permeate the space. The building’s concrete base is designed to float on the lake, ensuring stability against fluctuating water levels. Additionally, ecological shoals are integrated into the design to support biodiversity, providing natural habitats for birds and enhancing the visitor experience. The building’s floating structure and facade extensions are intentionally designed to invite birds closer while creating shaded areas for users, thus reinforcing the interaction between human visitors and the natural 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