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Hard Timber Walkways Integrating Natural Landscapes Through Elevated Observation Platforms

Authors:
Pablo Martínez rodríguez, Camila Coya dotta
Hard Timber Walkways Integrating Natural Landscapes Through Elevated Observation Platforms

Project in-detail

Elevated hard timber walkways weave through Latvia's bog landscape, connecting thoughtfully designed observation platforms that enhance visitor engagement with the unique natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated pathways allow for unobstructed views of the bog ecosystem.
02
Hard timber materials were selected for durability and environmental sensitivity.
03
The renovation raised existing boardwalks to improve accessibility.
04
Platforms are designed for wildlife observation and ecological engagement.
05
A continuous metal handrail enhances safety while maintaining design integrity.

The Kemeri Park observation tower is located in Latvia's distinctive bog landscape. It is designed to offer visitors an engaging experience while focusing on accessibility and interaction with the natural environment. The concept centers around elevated pathways and lookout platforms that provide various vantage points, allowing people to fully appreciate the beauty of the park.

Elevated Pathways

A central feature is the "Woodenline," a pathway that is designed for universal access. This path allows visitors to explore the natural surroundings, creating opportunities for connection and discovery. The design promotes a sense of fluidity, drawing the observer into the landscape and emphasizing the relationship between the built environment and nature.

Platform Arrangements

Observation platforms are arranged thoughtfully to enhance the visitor experience through different heights. Platform "A" invites close interaction with the bog's ecosystem, giving visitors an intimate look at local flora and fauna. In contrast, Platforms "B" and "C" are elevated, offering expansive views that allow for more extensive appreciation of the park's ecological diversity. This tiered arrangement encourages exploration and engages users with the unique characteristics of the landscape.

Material Considerations

Hard timber planks have been chosen for the ramps and platforms, promoting durability while also considering environmental factors. These planks are spaced to facilitate effective drainage, addressing the site's wet conditions. The foundation is small-scale, which reduces impact on the fragile bog ecosystem, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally sensitive design.

Safety Features

A continuous metal handrail runs alongside the pathways, providing essential safety for all visitors. This feature ensures that navigation is easy for everyone, including those with disabilities. The incorporation of safety measures reflects an understanding of user needs, enabling all visitors to appreciate the landscape without concern.

The observation tower encourages exploration, inviting visitors to walk along the paths and rise on the platforms, revealing a deeper connection with the carefully preserved natural surroundings. Each step taken promotes awareness of the rich ecosystem that Kemeri Park embodies.

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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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