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Layered Observation Tower Featuring Engineered Wood Louvers and Integrated Birdhouses

Authors:
Noura Mroueh, Hilda Guadalupe Aguirre León, Mariangela Cerone, Andres Bezanilla Veas
Layered Observation Tower Featuring Engineered Wood Louvers and Integrated Birdhouses

Project in-detail

Engineered wood louvers create a dynamic facade while integrated birdhouses support local wildlife in a layered observation tower designed for immersive nature experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Engineered wood louvers create varying light conditions throughout the day.
02
Integrated birdhouses enhance local biodiversity and promote wildlife interactions.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability while offering panoramic views.
04
Natural materials are used for ecological responsiveness and harmonious integration.
05
A tiered layout supports diverse functions from quiet observation to educational activities.

### Overview
The Netscape project, located within a natural landscape noted for its expansive horizon, is designed to facilitate both human engagement and ecological awareness. With a focus on functionality and aesthetics, the structure serves as a platform for observation and interaction with the surrounding environment. The design intent is to harmonize built form with nature, offering a space that promotes utility while being sensitive to ecological contexts.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The design employs a layered spatial configuration, divided into three horizontal elements that invite a variety of user experiences. The inclusion of an observation tower allows for panoramic views, promoting birdwatching and interaction with local wildlife. Canopies at varying levels create distinct environments, enabling quiet reflection and opportunities for learning. A double-skin façade of vertical slats enhances the interplay of light and shadow, responding dynamically to environmental changes and fostering a continuous dialogue between structure and landscape.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
Sustainability is paramount in material selection, which primarily includes timber, specifically engineered wood products for structural elements and floor-to-ceiling panels. The use of timber louvers serves to regulate natural light and ventilation while providing privacy. Integral features, such as birdhouses, are incorporated to support local fauna and enhance biodiversity. The overall material palette aims to achieve an understated elegance while remaining attuned to its ecological surroundings, reinforcing the project's commitment to a responsive design ethos.

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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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