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Tensegrity Footbridge With Accessible Ramps Overlooking Scenic Landscape

Authors:
Fedor Malyshev, Alexander Malyshev
Tensegrity Footbridge With Accessible Ramps Overlooking Scenic Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed using a tensegrity system, the footbridge provides accessible ramps and panoramic views, creating a seamless connection for pedestrians navigating the diverse landscape of Gauja National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a tensegrity system for lightweight support.
02
Includes ramps with an 8% incline for enhanced accessibility.
03
Strategically positioned elevations provide varied scenic views.
04
Designed to minimize disruption to the natural landscape.
05
Open layout facilitates light and shadow interaction throughout the day.

The SIGULDA GAUJA NATIONAL PARK FOOTBRIDGE is located in the picturesque setting of Gauja National Park, designed to support pedestrian movement and enhance views of the surrounding nature. The bridge spans 39.5 meters and has a width of 3 meters, striking a balance between utility and respect for the environment. The design employs tensegrity construction, which allows for a light structure that integrates well with the landscape without dominating it.

Structural Design

Key elevations such as +98.3, +109.7, and +91.9 determine the bridge's relationship with the surrounding terrain and nearby roads like Lāčplēša iela and Jāņa Poruka iela. These measured points contribute to both the stability of the structure and the experience for users, offering different views as they walk across the bridge.

Accessibility Features

Incorporating ramps with an 8% incline ensures that everyone can use the bridge, making it a welcoming space for all. This thoughtful approach to design acknowledges the need for easy access, particularly in a natural area where visitors of all ages and abilities can be expected. The well-planned ramps facilitate smooth movement and support efficient pedestrian flow.

Environmental Integration

The bridge's design emphasizes a connection with nature, featuring an open layout that reduces the need for bulky support elements. This layout allows for clear views through the structure, inviting a deeper appreciation of the natural environment. The way light and shadow interact with the bridge is especially inviting in the evening, when soft lighting highlights its form without overshadowing the park.

Attention to detail is evident in the base supports, which illustrate the balance of tension and compression essential to the tensegrity design. This creates a graceful yet sturdy form that harmonizes with the park’s landscape.

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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

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