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Rope Curtain and Wooden Platforms Elevate Wildlife Observation Experience

Authors:
Sarkis Semerdjian, Domingos Pascali, Leopoldo Schettino
Rope Curtain and Wooden Platforms Elevate Wildlife Observation Experience

Project in-detail

A dynamic rope curtain cascades from the core of a wooden tower, offering elevated observation platforms that enhance the experience of wildlife watching in a natural park setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
A helicoidal staircase connects multiple observation platforms at varied heights.
02
The design includes a movable rope curtain for user comfort and wildlife protection.
03
Constructed with a combination of stone and wood for durability and aesthetic harmony.
04
Observation points are strategically placed to ensure privacy for users.
05
The tower's form resembles a bird's nest, enhancing its connection to nature.

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located in a natural park, designed to merge with its surroundings while promoting wildlife observation. The structure takes inspiration from the shape of a bird's nest, encouraging users to connect with the environment from a high vantage point. A helicoidal staircase winds through the tower, leading to various observation platforms that enhance the experience of viewing local wildlife. The design focuses on creating a balance between form and function, inviting visitors to engage meaningfully with nature.

Design Concept
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The concept draws on organic forms, particularly that of a bird's nest. This approach not only contributes to the visual identity of the tower but also serves its purpose well. Observation platforms are arranged at different heights, providing visitors with 360-degree views of the park. This layout helps to ensure privacy, as platforms are positioned away from the main path of movement, allowing for quiet moments of reflection and connection with nature.

Materiality and Structure
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The construction of the tower emphasizes practicality without sacrificing aesthetics. A solid stone base supports the structure, raising it above ground moisture and providing stability. The primary material for the superstructure is wood, which complements the natural setting and is easy to maintain. This choice aligns with environmentally friendly practices, allowing the structure to fit harmoniously in its context while ensuring durability.

Functional Elements
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A distinctive feature of the tower is a rope curtain that cascades from the core structure. This curtain not only adds a dynamic element but also enhances user comfort throughout the seasons. It protects visitors from wildlife disturbances, while also allowing them to control their visibility for observation. This thoughtful addition improves the overall experience, enabling respectful interactions with the local habitat.

The arrangement of observation platforms, combined with the gentle rise of the helicoidal staircase, creates an inviting space for exploration. Each design detail encourages users to engage with and appreciate the natural world around them.

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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
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