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Spiral Platform Constructed of Charred Wood and Steel Overlooking Native Ecosystems

Authors:
Sahr Farooq, Hadia Azed, Ifrah Asif
Spiral Platform Constructed of Charred Wood and Steel Overlooking Native Ecosystems
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A spiraling platform of charred wood and steel integrates with the landscape while providing a vantage point for observing the diverse ecosystems of Kemeri Park, enhancing visitor engagement with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral pathway enhances visitor flow and creates varied viewing angles of the landscape.
02
Charred wood shingles provide aesthetic contrast while improving durability and weather resistance.
03
The bent A-frame design minimizes ground disturbance and integrates with the natural topography.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce material waste and promote sustainable building practices.
05
Native plantings surround the structure, enriching local biodiversity and supporting ecosystems.

# Architectural Design Report: Up the Junction Observatory

## Overview

Located within Kemeri Park, the Up the Junction Observatory serves as an observational platform that connects pedestrian pathways and enriches visitor interactions with the surrounding ecology. The design emphasizes the relationship between architecture and nature, creating a framework for multi-sensory experiences that encourage visitors to explore the natural environment.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The observatory features a unique dual route system that guides visitors from ground level to an elevated observation deck. A circular walkway spirals upward, enhancing visibility of the park’s diverse landscapes. This configuration not only facilitates smooth circulation but also incorporates educational elements that promote awareness of local ecosystems and native species. Seating areas along the pathway provide opportunities for reflection and deeper engagement with the picturesque surroundings.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The observatory is constructed with sustainably sourced materials that align with modern environmental standards. Predominantly, wood shapes the boardwalks and structure, fostering a natural aesthetic that complements the park's landscape. Structural integrity is provided by steel, which supports slender forms while ensuring durability. The incorporation of glass enhances visual openness, allowing natural light to permeate the space and frame views of the landscape. This careful selection of materials contributes to a lightweight and immersive structure that minimizes ecological impact, promoting biodiversity through elevated design that disturbs the ground minimally. Native plantings are integrated into the surrounding landscape, further enhancing ecological balance and habitat preservation.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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