Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Thatched Roof Observation Platform Elevated Above Wetlands With Cape Cod Wood and Interactive Spaces

Author:
Clark Thenhaus
Thatched Roof Observation Platform Elevated Above Wetlands With Cape Cod Wood and Interactive Spaces

Project in-detail

A thatched roof observation platform, elevated on Cape Cod wood columns, provides interactive spaces for visitors to engage with the wetlands and their diverse avian life.
5 key facts about this project
01
The platform is elevated on slender wood columns to minimize ecological impact on the wetlands.
02
It features a thatched roof designed for optimal insulation and natural aesthetics.
03
Interactive spaces encourage visitor engagement with the local avian ecosystem.
04
The corkscrew pathway enhances the visual experience as visitors ascend.
05
Sustainable materials were sourced locally to reduce the project's carbon footprint.

### Project Overview

The Public Avian Platform Experience (PAPE) is situated within Pape Nature Park, an area known for its diverse ecosystems, particularly its wetlands and avian habitats. The intent of the design is to create an observatory that enhances educational and recreational opportunities for visitors while maintaining a respectful integration with the natural environment.

### Structural Composition and Spatial Organization

PAPE consists of three interconnected forms that rise above the ground, supported by slender columns to minimize visual disruption. This elevated structure provides expansive views of the surroundings while protecting the wildlife below. The design incorporates truncated roofs that create distinct viewing areas, encouraging a communal engagement with the landscape.

Circulation within the platform is designed as a corkscrew pathway, facilitating smooth transitions from the lower observation deck to the upper viewing area. Each level serves specific functions: the lower platform features informal seating and direct access to the natural surroundings, while the upper platform offers open gathering spaces and observation points suitable for educational activities.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The material selection for PAPE reflects a commitment to sustainability and local context. Structural elements include Cape Cod grey wood columns, prefabricated wood panels, and exterior thatch, all chosen for their lightweight properties and environmental harmony. Plywood and steel handrails enhance the functionality and safety of the space while maintaining an aesthetic connection to local building traditions.

The design emphasizes minimal ecological disruption by employing construction methods that require less heavy equipment, thereby preserving the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem. The structure’s dynamic roof interacts with natural light, fostering a connection between the built environment and the rhythms of nature while facilitating ongoing visitor engagement with the park's avian and aquatic life.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy