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Skeletal Structure of Charred Wood and Glass Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Habitat

Author:
Krishna Rao
Skeletal Structure of Charred Wood and Glass Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Habitat

Project in-detail

Constructed with a skeletal frame of charred wood and expansive glass, the observation hide serves as an unobtrusive vantage point for bird watchers, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape while enhancing environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural stability while enhancing aesthetics.
02
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance, integrating with the natural surroundings.
03
Features extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and eliminate visual barriers to the environment.
04
Incorporates anti-skid structural timber flooring to ensure safety in high-traffic observation areas.
05
Strategically elevated to minimize ecological footprint and provide diverse vantage points for bird watchers.

## Project Overview

Located within a diverse nature park in Latvia, the Doorbeen project, known as The Twitchers' Hide, is designed to enhance the bird-watching experience by providing structured observation points that interact harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The architectural intent centers on creating a contemplative atmosphere that encourages engagement with nature while addressing the needs of visitors.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Experience

The design concept is inspired by a giant binocular, promoting a dynamic and horizontal layout that guides users through a series of ascending vantage points. These gradual transitions are intended to optimize views of the landscape and wildlife, allowing for diverse perspectives and experiences. The layout incorporates distinct pathways that mimic natural bird movement, leading visitors through various observation areas and facilitating exploration.

### Materiality and Structural Design

The project employs a combination of timber, glass, and steel, creating a balance between warmth and modernity. Timber is used extensively, providing aesthetic visual appeal and structural integrity, while thick glass elements minimize barriers, enhancing connections with the outdoors. A skeletal framework clad in wooden slats allows diffused light to enter the structure and creates a visually striking façade that merges with the natural surroundings.

The architectural strategy includes strategic positioning to respect the site's topography, elevating the structure to reduce its ecological impact. This approach incorporates natural ventilation and aesthetic contributions from local flora, ensuring the building is energy-efficient and integrated within its environment. Observation decks at varying heights enhance the visitor experience by altering perceptions of the landscape and fostering a sense of discovery.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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