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Natural Rock Facade Overlooking Local Ecosystems in a Timber Bird Observatory

Author:
royce mar nicdao
Natural Rock Facade Overlooking Local Ecosystems in a Timber Bird Observatory

Project in-detail

Constructed with a natural rock facade and timber platforms, the bird observatory enhances interaction with local ecosystems while providing a minimalist vantage point for wildlife observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a natural rock facade that echoes the local geology.
02
Timber platforms designed for minimal environmental impact and wildlife disturbance.
03
A bent A-frame design enhances structural stability while blending with the landscape.
04
Staircases and observation points position visitors at elevated views of the ecosystem.
05
Cultural motifs integrated into the design reflect local fauna and historical narratives.

## Project Overview

Located within Pape Nature Park, this architectural design integrates a functional observatory with the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing visitor experiences while preserving ecological integrity. The project seeks to minimize artificial interference, positioning a bird observation tower that harmonizes with its environment and promotes awareness of the diverse wildlife inhabiting the area.

### Material Utilization

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in achieving both aesthetic and functional objectives. Natural rock serves as the primary structural element, echoing the park's geological features and ensuring familiarity for both visitors and wildlife. Wooden platforms are incorporated for pathways and observation decks, enhancing accessibility while maintaining a visual connection to the natural setting. Additionally, strategically placed glass elements facilitate transparency, offering unobstructed views while minimizing visual disruption to the landscape. This material approach reflects a commitment to eco-conscious design, prioritizing low maintenance and operational efficiency.

### Design Features

The observatory's design emphasizes a biophilic approach, fostering a close yet respectful relationship with nature. The rock formation is shaped to resemble natural boulders, allowing wildlife to coexist with human visitors without disturbance. A network of user-friendly staircases leads to a high observation platform, providing panoramic vistas that align with the site's natural contours. Cultural references are woven throughout the design, featuring motifs inspired by local fauna and historical narratives, which enrich the user experience and connect visitors to the site's heritage. The combination of durable materials also supports sustainability, ensuring the structure thrives with minimal human intervention.

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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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