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Hexagonal Observation Tower Crafted from Local Timber and Reed Panels for Wildlife Engagement

Authors:
Arabella De beaupuy, Monika Bilska, Agata Banaszek, Manja Van de worp
Hexagonal Observation Tower Crafted from Local Timber and Reed Panels for Wildlife Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from hexagonal forms with local timber and reed panels, the observation tower enhances wildlife engagement while blending into the natural landscape of Lake Pape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local timber, promoting sustainability and community resources.
02
Hexagonal design provides 360-degree sightlines for optimal birdwatching.
03
Reed panels allow for minimal environmental impact and blend with the natural habitat.
04
Multi-directional staircases enhance accessibility and visitor flow.
05
Incorporates Latvian folklore symbols within its architectural narrative.

### Location and Concept

The "Morning Star" bird observation tower is situated on the shoreline of Lake Pape in Latvia. Its design aims to serve as a dedicated observation point for birdwatchers while honoring Latvian culture, folklore, and natural heritage. The intent is to enhance accessibility to local biodiversity and provide a functional space for enhancing the birdwatching experience.

### Structural and Material Considerations

The tower's architectural design incorporates a distinctive hexagonal form that draws inspiration from organic shapes present in nature, creating a sculptural presence in its environment. The primary structural material is local timber, selected for its sustainability and aesthetic qualities. The timber elements, measuring 75 x 75 mm, provide both strength and a natural appearance. Reed panels are utilized as lightweight enveloping elements, fostering an interactive relationship between the occupants and the surrounding ecology. Furthermore, non-toxic, biodegradable materials were carefully chosen to minimize environmental impact, along with metal fasteners selected for structural integrity, ensuring a conscientious approach to building practices.

### User-Centric Features

The tower is designed to offer an optimal birdwatching experience through several innovative features. It includes viewpoints that provide 360-degree vistas, with elongated platforms specifically positioned to facilitate unobstructed views of the wetlands and wildlife. The unique design not only addresses aesthetic considerations but also prioritizes functionality. Multi-directional staircases enhance visitor flow, accommodating peak traffic during busy seasons and ensuring ease of access. The overall layout is strategically developed to support both sheltering wildlife and providing an engaging experience for visitors.

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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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