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Sustainable Observation Platform Crafted with Seasoned Timber and Embedded in Natural Grasslands

Author:
Richard Cottrell
Sustainable Observation Platform Crafted with Seasoned Timber and Embedded in Natural Grasslands

Project in-detail

Crafted from seasoned timber and designed to blend seamlessly with grasslands, the elevated observation platform invites visitors to connect with nature while providing an unobtrusive space for bird-watching and ecological appreciation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with seasoned timber, the platform replicates the texture of its grassland surroundings.
02
The charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a visually appealing contrast with natural greens.
03
A modular design approach enables easy maintenance and adaptability to changing environmental conditions.
04
Strategically positioned viewing points cater specifically to optimal bird-watching experiences in the area.
05
The bent A-frame design minimizes visual impact while maximizing structural stability and user engagement.
The architectural project presents a thoughtful integration of a bird-watching platform designed to blend into the natural landscape, promoting an immersive experience for visitors while observing avian life. Aptly named to reflect its relationship with the surrounding ecology, the project embodies a philosophy of harmonizing human activities with the environment. The design focuses on providing an unobtrusive yet functional viewpoint for bird enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers, facilitating a deeper appreciation of the local wildlife and ecosystems.

Functionally, the project serves as a dedicated space for bird-watching, where users can comfortably engage with the environment without disturbing the habitats of the birds they come to observe. The platform features multiple levels and viewing points, promoting varied perspectives and experiences depending on one's location within the structure. This careful consideration of user interaction reflects the project's emphasis on accessibility and engagement, allowing visitors to navigate the site intuitively.

A significant aspect of the design is its materiality. The project utilizes seasoned timber primarily for the structure, reinforcing its connection to the landscape while ensuring durability against environmental elements. Concrete forms the foundational elements, providing stability and support to the bird-watching platform. This combination of materials emphasizes a natural aesthetic while catering to the functional needs of the structure. The use of light colors in timber and thoughtful texture design enhances the overall sensory experience of the site, creating visual coherence with the grassland setting.

Important details of the project include the careful placement of individual components that work together to enhance the overall architectural narrative. The modular system underpinning the platform design is built around standard lumber dimensions, allowing for effective construction and maintenance processes. Elevated sections provide bird-watchers and visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding marshland, supporting the primary function of the space. Strategic sightlines have been identified to optimize the experiences of users, fostering a connection between them and the natural elements.

Through its unique design approaches, the project showcases a responsive relationship with the landscape. The architecture itself appears to grow and blend with the environment rather than impose upon it. The vertical wooden slats are reminiscent of natural grasses swaying in the wind, giving the architecture a dynamic quality that complements the setting. This clever design strategy invites users to explore various paths leading to thematic areas, which include quiet resting zones and enclosed observation spots that encourage both solitary reflection and social interaction.

The design engages with the landscape’s contours, layering the viewing experience and enhancing the users' understanding and enjoyment of the local biodiversity. This thoughtful layering not only provides privacy but also creates a sense of exploration and discovery, making the journey through the site as meaningful as the destination. Additionally, the emphasis on light and shadow plays a critical role in shaping the atmosphere of the platform, enriching the sensory experience of observing wildlife.

Overall, this architectural project successfully demonstrates the ability to blend functional design with an acute awareness of environmental consciousness. Through its user-centered approach and careful material selection, the project does not merely serve its intended purpose of enabling bird-watching; it fosters a genuine appreciation for nature. By exploring this project further, interested readers can delve into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs that highlight the innovative ideas employed throughout the design process. The project stands as an example of how architecture can facilitate interaction with nature while encouraging conservation and respect for the 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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