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Nest-Inspired Structure Featuring Locally Sourced Wood and Straw Bales for Avian Observation

Author:
Ahmed Hassan
Nest-Inspired Structure Featuring Locally Sourced Wood and Straw Bales for Avian Observation

Project in-detail

Crafted from locally sourced wood and straw bales, this nest-like observation tower seamlessly integrates with its environment, providing a unique vantage point for studying migratory birds in their natural habitat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a nest-inspired design to enhance connection with bird habitats.
02
Constructed using locally sourced wood and straw bales for sustainability.
03
Features multiple viewing platforms for diverse birdwatching experiences.
04
Includes a footbridge that minimizes ecological disruption during access.
05
Supports ecological education by facilitating immersive nature observation.

## Overview
Located within Pape Nature Park, the House of Birds functions as a specialized facility for avian observation, designed to create a stable environment suitable for both migratory birds and human visitors. The project aims to enhance engagement with the natural ecosystem while providing a unique vantage point from which to observe bird behaviors in their natural habitat.

## Architectural Strategy
The design features a circular tower characterized by upward flow and projections that resemble bird feeders, enhancing its integration into the landscape. An elevated footbridge connects the structure to surrounding areas, minimizing disruption to the ecological balance. This approach fosters accessibility while promoting the natural terrain's integrity. The tower's layout includes multi-level viewing platforms that facilitate observation at various heights, allowing visitors to experience the site intimately from the entry level to upper observation areas.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choice is integral to the project, emphasizing sustainability and ecological sensitivity. Locally sourced rough wood serves both structural and aesthetic purposes, harmonizing with the environment while reducing the carbon footprint. Straw bales are employed for insulation and wall construction, improving thermal efficiency and reflecting avian nesting patterns. These materials underscore a commitment to eco-friendly practices, all while engaging the local community in the building process and promoting broader conservation efforts.

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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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