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Golden Facade and Wooden Stilts in an Accessible Observation Tower

Author:
Young Kim
Golden Facade and Wooden Stilts in an Accessible Observation Tower

Project in-detail

A golden tower with cutouts of local wildlife rises above the ground on wooden stilts, providing an accessible observation deck that fosters educational engagement with the surrounding biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Golden facade features cutouts of local wildlife.
02
Elevated structure supported by slender wooden stilts.
03
Circular observation deck offers a 360-degree view.
04
Gently sloping ramp ensures accessibility for all.
05
Integrates a microcosm of native plant species.

Nest Above is an observation tower designed to blend in with its natural surroundings while offering an educational experience about local biodiversity. The tower is located at the end of a boardwalk in a nature reserve. Its design draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin tents and the lightness of flamingo wings. The structure has an elevated form that minimizes its impact on the environment while encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape.

Structural Design
The main structure of Nest Above is supported by thin wooden stilts that lift it above the ground. This design allows the tower to create a sense of lightness. By reducing contact with the ground, the building helps protect the ecological integrity of the site. The elevated form brings the design into harmony with its surroundings and illustrates a thoughtful approach to sustainability.

Accessibility Features
A key feature of the tower is its accessibility for all visitors. A gently sloping wooden ramp leads to the circular observation deck, ensuring that everyone can participate in the experience. This design choice opens the space to families and individuals with different mobility needs. It encourages visitors to explore the nature reserve and take part in the educational offerings.

Interactive Learning
The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the nature reserve, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding ecosystem. Information about local plants and animals is carefully etched onto glass railings. This design keeps the views clear while offering visitors a chance to learn about the environment. It enhances the educational purpose of the tower and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

Visual Aesthetic
A smaller golden tower stands out due to its unique cutouts of local wildlife. This secondary structure offers visitors an additional perspective from above. The golden facade contrasts beautifully with the colors of the landscape, creating a visual interest that ties the architecture to its environment. The overall design encourages exploration and discovery.

The thoughtful arrangement of the tower, with its play of light and space, invites visitors to engage with both the structure and the natural world. Sunlight reflects off the glass surfaces, adding a sense of movement and dynamism to the visitor experience.

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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
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