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Pine Lumber Canopy with Elevated Observation Platforms in Nature Center

Authors:
Yair Pery, Tal Rotchild
Pine Lumber Canopy with Elevated Observation Platforms in Nature Center

Project in-detail

Constructed with pine lumber and designed with elevated observation platforms, the visitor center offers an immersive experience that engages visitors directly with the surrounding natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tree Top Route integrates elevated platforms with hanging bridges for immersive nature exploration.
02
Exhibition hall provides interactive educational content about local flora and fauna.
03
Rooftop observation area offers quiet views for reflection and birdwatching.
04
Children’s playground is designed to complement the Tree Top activities.
05
Construction uses local pine lumber, promoting sustainability and ecological awareness.

The visitor center, located in a national park, functions as both an information resource and an interactive educational space for those interested in the park's diverse plant and animal life. The design focuses on connecting visitors with nature through engaging experiences. Key features include a Tree Top Route and an exhibition hall that work together to create a meaningful exploration of the environment and its ecosystems.

Tree Top Route

The Tree Top Route is a central feature of the visitor center, consisting of raised platforms and hanging bridges that allow visitors to walk among the treetops. This design offers unique views of the landscape and encourages visitors, especially families and children, to explore the park in a hands-on way. Educational signs along the route add to the experience, turning a simple hike into an interactive adventure filled with discovery.

Exhibition Hall and Information Office

Within the visitor center, there is an exhibition hall that provides educational displays and a staffed office for visitor assistance. This layout helps visitors easily transition between learning about the park and experiencing it firsthand. The arrangement of these spaces promotes exploration and encourages curiosity about the natural world, making information both accessible and engaging.

Integration with Surroundings

The design includes a rooftop observation area that serves as a peaceful spot for reflection and birdwatching. This area is separate from the busier parts of the center, allowing for a quieter experience in nature. Additionally, the coffee house's terrace, placed above the ground floor, is designed to connect with the Tree Top activities while providing a comfortable space for visitors to relax and enjoy the surrounding sights.

Material Considerations

The materials used in the visitor center contribute to its connection with the natural environment. Construction timber, exterior pine lumber, isolation materials, and plywood panels have been chosen for their ability to support the structure while blending in with the landscape. These materials reflect a focus on sustainability and demonstrate an understanding of the local ecology.

The overall layout balances practical needs with interactive experiences. The design encourages visitors to engage with nature, fostering connections that deepen their appreciation for the park and its ecosystems. Through thoughtful planning and design, the visitor center becomes a place of education, exploration, and enjoyment.

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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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