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Interlocking Steel Trusses and Environmental Mesh Create a Seamless River Crossing Experience

Author:
Adela Ho
Interlocking Steel Trusses and Environmental Mesh Create a Seamless River Crossing Experience

Project in-detail

Utilizing interlocking steel trusses and an innovative mesh barrier, the design enhances accessibility while integrating seamlessly into the natural landscape, serving as a vital pedestrian link over the Gauja River.
5 key facts about this project
01
The bridge features an innovative mesh safety barrier that enhances visibility while providing security to users.
02
Interlocking steel trusses were designed to allow for dynamic load distribution and easy maintenance.
03
The project integrates landscaping features, such as native trees, which help blend the structure into its natural surroundings.
04
Ramps are designed with a gentle slope to ensure accessibility for all user groups, including cyclists and those with mobility impairments.
05
The design emphasizes user interaction with the environment, transforming the bridge into a social space rather than just a transit route.
The Double Truss Bridge is an architectural project designed to enhance connectivity over the Gauja River, emphasizing a balance between structural integrity and environmental sensitivity. This bridge represents a thoughtful response to the area's unique landscape, providing a functional thoroughfare while fostering an aesthetic dialogue with nature.

At its core, the bridge serves multiple functions, catering not only to pedestrians but also to cyclists and those with mobility challenges. By incorporating diverse access points and a gentle slope, the design encourages inclusivity, allowing seamless movement across differing user groups. The architecture of the bridge integrates multiple structural components, utilizing two interlocking trusses that not only offer stability but also create visually engaging forms that spark interest as one approaches.

A closer examination reveals several important architectural features that contribute to the project's overall efficacy. The main truss assemblies, crafted from steel, form the backbone of the bridge, ensuring strength and durability. These elements are elegantly connected by innovative anchoring techniques that allow for dynamic load distribution, reducing stress on the structure while simplifying maintenance efforts. The open mesh screens functioning as safety barriers are another notable aspect, allowing views through to the river below while ensuring user safety without compromising flow or interaction with the environment.

Concrete plays a critical role in the foundational aspects of the bridge, with retaining walls and supports designed to blend harmoniously into the natural topography. This choice of material not only reinforces the bridge’s structural objectives but also grounds the project within the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the incorporation of wood in walkways and ramps introduces warmth to the structure, echoing the area's natural materials and promoting a sense of comfort for users.

One of the more unique design approaches adopted in this project is the thoughtful use of landscaping that wraps around the base of the bridge. By planting native trees and utilizing softscape elements, the design integrates the bridge into its environment rather than imposing on it. This attention to ecological context highlights the architects' commitment to sustainability and harmony between built and natural environments. The zigzagging shapes of the overhead ramps add an intriguing architectural layer, guiding users through the space while optimizing sight lines and experiences from various vantage points.

Working with dimensions that consider the natural flow of the river, the bridge was engineered to be both functional and engaging. The project reflects a deep understanding of the relationship between architecture and place, ensuring that it serves as a landmark experience rather than merely a passage. By promoting user interaction with the surroundings, the design invites individuals to stop, observe, and appreciate the beauty of the Gauja River, turning a simple crossway into a destination.

In exploring this project further, readers can gain insight into its architectural plans and sections, which provide a deeper understanding of the spatial organization and structural relationships utilized throughout the design. Architectural designs and ideas come together to form a cohesive narrative about how built environments can enhance community interaction while respecting and preserving natural ecosystems. For those interested in innovative architectural practices, a thorough examination of the project presentation will yield further details and concepts.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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