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Sloped Deck Crafted From Warm Wood Cladding and Painted Steel for Immersive Wildlife Observation

Author:
TONY LEUNG
Sloped Deck Crafted From Warm Wood Cladding and Painted Steel for Immersive Wildlife Observation

Project in-detail

Elevated above the landscape, a sloped deck of warm wood cladding and painted steel provides an unobtrusive platform for birdwatching, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings while prioritizing accessibility for all visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The deck features a sloped ramp designed for full accessibility, accommodating all visitors.
02
Constructed primarily of warm wood cladding, the design harmonizes with the surrounding environment.
03
High walls around the deck create an enclosed observation area while minimizing wildlife disturbance.
04
Integrated top-hung folding panels allow users to control visibility and privacy during observation.
05
The project incorporates local cultural symbolism, drawing inspiration from a Latvian grain stalk.

### Overview
Located in an unspoiled natural landscape, the "Jumis" project is a dedicated birdwatching deck that merges functionality with environmental sensitivity. Its design draws inspiration from the double spiked stalk of grain, a symbol of fertility and prosperity, reflecting a commitment to harmonizing with the ecosystem while enhancing the visitor experience.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout is centered around providing an immersive birdwatching experience while minimizing human impact on wildlife. A gradually ascending form creates a sheltered pathway, allowing for unobtrusive observation of the surroundings. As visitors ascend the structure, high walls enhance privacy and decrease disturbances to the natural habitat, resulting in an enveloping sensation.

The configuration includes two distinct viewing areas, promoting visibility and interaction. Top-hung folding panels afford users the ability to control their exposure to the environment, adapting to changing conditions without compromising comfort. Integrated folding desktops offer functional space for social interaction, enriching the observation experience.

### Materiality and Structural Approach
Constructed primarily from 30mm thick wood cladding, the deck achieves a warm, natural aesthetic in alignment with the surrounding landscape. A painted steel frame provides structural resilience, supporting the lightweight design while allowing for unobstructed views.

The ramp's sloped geometry not only meets accessibility standards but also symbolizes a connection to the environment. This calculated interplay of materials and form fosters a seamless transition from the ground to an elevated vantage point, reinforcing the structure's purpose as an interactive observation platform.

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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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