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Hollow Structural Tubes and Wooden Platforms Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Alkis Dikaios, Athos Dikaios, Iasonas Nicolaou
Hollow Structural Tubes and Wooden Platforms Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Elevated observation platforms crafted from hollow structural tubes and warm wooden surfaces provide a unique vantage for birdwatching, seamlessly integrating into the wetlands ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using lightweight hollow structural tubes for enhanced stability and reduced ecological impact.
02
Incorporates wooden observation platforms that provide warmth and tactile engagement for visitors.
03
Features micropile foundation technology to preserve the integrity of the surrounding wetland ecosystem.
04
Includes a seamlessly integrated wooden footbridge for accessible transition to elevated views.
05
Designed with staggered observation levels to offer varied perspectives of the natural landscape.

### Project Overview

The Bird Observation Tower is situated near Pape Nature Park, designed to foster a connection between built structures and the natural environment. The primary intent is to create a facility that minimizes ecological impact while enhancing the visitor experience. The design prioritizes efficiency and sustainability, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.

### Structural and Spatial Strategy

The tower incorporates a lightweight prefabricated scaffold system composed of hollow structural tubes, ensuring both strength and ease of assembly. It features staggered observation platforms connected by a central staircase, providing varying perspectives that elevate the user's experience of the natural setting. This verticality encourages exploration and engagement with the landscape, inviting visitors to ascend and appreciate their surroundings from different vantage points.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in achieving the project's environmental objectives. Lightweight hollow structural tubes constitute the primary framework, allowing for a low overall weight. Wooden platforms are used for observation areas, offering durability and a tactile experience, while steel handrails enhance safety without obstructing views. Micropiles serve as foundational supports, minimizing ground disturbance in wet soil conditions and allowing for secure anchoring of the structure with minimal ecological disruption.

In terms of construction, the use of prefabricated elements facilitates efficiency, and modular design allows for straightforward on-site assembly. The project illustrates a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental mindfulness within the architectural framework.

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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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