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Oculus Canopy of Treated Wood Integrates Native Landscaping with Multimodal Connectivity

Author:
Chae Yeon Woo
Oculus Canopy of Treated Wood Integrates Native Landscaping with Multimodal Connectivity

Project in-detail

The integration of an Oculus canopy made from treated wood establishes a unique observation point that harmonizes with native landscaping, promoting multimodal connectivity along Miami’s waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
The bridge incorporates an Oculus structure designed to enhance user experience through panoramic views.
02
Native landscaping features are integrated to promote local biodiversity and ecological awareness.
03
Treated wood elements are utilized for the canopy, merging aesthetic appeal with functional durability.
04
Dedicated lanes for both pedestrians and cyclists ensure safe, efficient movement across the bridge.
05
Acoustic barriers constructed with landscaping minimize noise from surrounding traffic, creating a serene environment.

## Project Overview
The I-395 Pedestrian Baywalk & Bikeway Bridge, located in Miami, Florida, serves as a multimodal pathway integrating pedestrian walkways and bikeways. This infrastructure aims to enhance connectivity within an urban context while promoting sustainability and fostering cultural engagement with the surrounding waterfront. The project addresses community needs by prioritizing accessibility and creating spaces for social interaction, reflecting Miami's diverse cultural heritage.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The bridge's spatial layout facilitates smooth movement among users while providing areas for rest and engagement. The design incorporates dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring safe and efficient transit for both groups. Key features include an observation deck known as the Oculus, which offers panoramic views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay, and landscaped barriers that mitigate noise pollution from nearby vehicular traffic, creating a tranquil environment for gatherings and recreational use.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Emphasizing sustainability and aesthetics, the project employs a variety of materials. Reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, while treated wooden decking enhances the tactile experience for users. The steel framework supports protective canopies, and glass elements used for the Oculus increase transparency and connection to the natural surroundings. Additionally, native plantings are incorporated into the landscaping, reinforcing ecological sensitivity and blending the structure harmoniously into the local environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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