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Floating Platforms Constructed from Sustainable Timber with Integrated Observation Points

Authors:
Raissa Gattera Begiato, Antonio Aparecido Fabiano Junior, Thais De Freitas, Danilo Pena Maia
Floating Platforms Constructed from Sustainable Timber with Integrated Observation Points
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Constructed with floating platforms of sustainable timber and integrating unique observation points, the design provides immersive engagement with the surrounding natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using floating platforms that enhance interaction with water bodies.
02
Incorporates unique observation points with fixed binoculars for wildlife viewing.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for an aesthetically distinctive and durable exterior.
04
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that optimizes space and views.
05
Integrates pathways inspired by natural bird flight patterns for user navigation.

### Overview

The project "Moving Point" is situated within a context that emphasizes interaction and the interplay between individuals and their environment. It serves as a site where architectural elements facilitate engagement with both natural and built forms. This design framework explores concepts such as movement, presence, and absence, striving to create spaces that resonate with sensory experiences and foster connections between users and their surroundings.

### Spatial Organization and Experience

The structure is organized through a series of designated points and linear pathways that guide movement and engagement. Each point is intentionally designed to provide distinct experiences:
- **Point 1** features a bleacher that elevates the user’s perspective, transforming an ordinary observation area into a more immersive experience.
- **Point 2** is equipped with binoculars to facilitate a closer exploration of the natural landscape.
- **Point 3** offers a floating platform that enables users to interact intimately with water bodies, reinforcing the connection between land and aquatic environments.
- **Point 4** serves as a larger communal space for observing both human and avian activities.

The pathways are systematically laid out to encourage fluid navigation and interaction, mirroring natural rhythms and promoting a continuous flow through the space. Each element is designed to interact with one another, enhancing user engagement with the environment.

### Materiality and Structural Choices

Material selection is integral to achieving the project’s conceptual vision. Primary materials include:
- **Wood**, chosen for its local availability and sustainability, adds warmth and enhances the tactile quality of the spaces.
- **Plastic and Rope** are utilized in the construction of floating platforms, reinforcing connections to the water and facilitating diverse interactions.
- **Metal Fixtures** provide structural integrity, ensuring durability while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes the surrounding landscape.

These material choices not only support the structural needs but also enhance the user experience by creating a continuous dialogue between the architecture and its natural context. The overall design concept encourages an exploration of ephemeral experiences and interaction, inviting users to engage with their environment in a meaningful way.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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