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Natural Wood Integration with Modular Birdhouses for Enhanced Observation in a Wetland Environment

Authors:
Stelios Polyviou, Tasos Antonopoulos
Natural Wood Integration with Modular Birdhouses for Enhanced Observation in a Wetland Environment
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Modular birdhouses seamlessly integrated into a wooden observation tower provide a unique platform for birdwatching and ecological education within a wetland environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular birdhouses are integrated directly into the tower structure, supporting local avian habitation.
02
The use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances strength and sustainability while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance and a unique aesthetic finish.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity and offers an unobstructed view from observation decks.
05
Educational panels throughout the tower promote awareness of local ecology and bird species.

### Project Overview
The Tower at Crossroads is situated in a wetland environment, designed to serve both human visitors and local bird populations. The intent of the structure is to facilitate a deeper connection between users and the surrounding wildlife, while also promoting environmental awareness. By harmonizing built elements with ecological considerations, this project addresses the intersection of human activity and natural habitats.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Interaction
Central to the design is the dual-purpose framework that enhances the experience for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The observation decks are strategically elevated to provide unobstructed views of the wetlands, paired with educational panels that inform visitors about local avian species. The layout promotes easy navigation and minimizes ecological disruption, facilitating an engaging and informative experience. Integrated birdhouses are positioned at varying heights to accommodate the needs of different species, reflecting a design that prioritizes ecological sensitivity.

### Materials and Sustainability
The choice of materials emphasizes a commitment to sustainable practices. The predominant use of wood creates an inviting aesthetic while aligning with contemporary environmental standards. Metal components are incorporated for structural support without detracting from the overall design intent. Unique elements, such as horizontally-placed branches enveloping the staircases and observation platforms, not only enhance the visual integration within the landscape but also serve to attract and house various bird species. The modularity of the birdhouses allows for maintenance ease, aligning with ongoing conservation goals while reinforcing the structure's relationship with the local ecology.

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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.

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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

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