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Suspended Viewing Platforms Crafted From Durable Steel and Timber For Engaging Nature Experiences

Author:
Paul Jones
Suspended Viewing Platforms Crafted From Durable Steel and Timber For Engaging Nature Experiences

Project in-detail

Constructed with a manual winch system and elevated timber platforms, the design elevates visitor engagement with the natural landscape while prioritizing sustainability and accessibility within Kemerit National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a manual winch system for vertical access, allowing all users to easily reach elevated platforms.
02
Each viewing platform is designed with distinct elevations to provide varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
03
The exterior is clad in charred wooden shingles, enhancing weather resistance and integrating with the natural environment.
04
A combination of steel and timber creates a stable framework while minimizing ecological disruption during construction.
05
The design emphasizes sustainability, utilizing locally sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint.
The project known as "The View Catcher" represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature, designed to enhance user experience within the serene landscape of Kemerit National Park. Its primary function is to provide visitors with diverse observational platforms from which to engage with the environment, allowing for an appreciation of both local wildlife and the broader landscape. This architectural design emphasizes ecological awareness, accessibility, and the promotion of environmental conservation.

The design consists of four distinct platforms, each tailored to provide unique viewing angles and experiences. The first platform serves as a foundation, creating a direct connection to the ground and allowing for an intimate engagement with the natural surroundings. This level is designed to foster curiosity and exploration, emphasizing the flora and fauna at close range. The second platform expands this experience, offering broader landscape views that allow visitors to grasp the ecological dynamics of the park.

Elevating the experience further is the third platform, which is positioned higher to facilitate horizon views. This design allows individuals to connect with their environment at a grander scale, enabling contemplation of the expansive sky and distant vistas. Lastly, a canopy level acts as an open-air observatory, encouraging visitors to enjoy the interplay between the natural elements and sky, creating a seamless transition between built form and the environment.

A unique aspect of the design is its manual winch system that allows users to ascend to these various platforms. This innovative approach promotes inclusivity, enabling individuals of all physical abilities to access the elevated spaces. The design acknowledges the importance of user experience while maintaining a focus on safety and functionality throughout the architectural solution.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the success of "The View Catcher." The structure is clad in timber, which helps it blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, showcasing a sense of warmth and connection to nature. A robust steel frame provides structural integrity, ensuring the platforms remain stable while minimizing environmental disruption. Plywood is employed for internal elements to enhance acoustic comfort, while large glass panels maximize natural light and unimpeded views of the scenic landscape.

The innovative approach to the foundation design is noteworthy, as it minimizes earth disturbance through the use of concrete footings combined with suspension cables. This not only supports the structure's elevated form but also allows for the preservation of the existing natural habitat.

In essence, "The View Catcher" is more than an observation point; it is an architectural expression of respect for the environment that encourages visitors to engage with the natural world. By prioritizing ecological sensitivity and user accessibility, this project stands out as a model for how modern architecture can harmonize with and celebrate nature. The unique layering of experiences provided by the different platforms invites a deep and meaningful connection to the landscape.

For further insights into the architectural nuances of "The View Catcher," including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Each element contributes to the overall narrative of a structure that seeks to enrich the visitor experience while maintaining a reverence for the surrounding environment.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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