Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Timber-Clad Lookout Bridge Designed with Parabolic Cords Over Natural Landscape

Authors:
Dario Schoulund, Rudolph Botha
Timber-Clad Lookout Bridge Designed with Parabolic Cords Over Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

A timber-clad lookout bridge with parabolic cords elegantly spans a natural landscape, offering visitors an immersive experience while connecting key features of Gauja National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber-clad bridge integrates parabolic cords for enhanced structural support.
02
Lookout point includes seating and information boards for visitor engagement.
03
Located at Gauja National Park, emphasizing ecological connection.
04
Approach ramps provide multiple viewpoints of the surrounding landscape.
05
Construction utilizes durable, thermo-treated timber for weather resistance.

The design proposal for GAUJA NATIONAL PARK demonstrates a careful blend of natural features and constructed elements. It is situated among notable landmarks, including a church and a dam, and is enriched by diverse tree cover. The purpose is to create a space that invites visitors to explore and reflect on the beauty of the environment. The overall concept emphasizes movement through the landscape, as well as points for contemplation.

Approach Ramps

The approach ramps are essential to the design, positioned along the eastern embankment to bring users to the adequate height for vehicles passing beneath. These ramps ascend gradually to the crossing level, enhancing the experience of walking through the park. As visitors navigate these pathways, they gain new perspectives on the natural surroundings, framed by the trunks and leaves of the trees.

Lookout Point

A lookout point located over the dam adds depth to the experience. This area includes seating and informative displays, encouraging visitors to take a moment to appreciate the views. By providing an inviting space for rest and learning, the lookout fosters a connection between people and the environment, enhancing their understanding of the park.

Bridge Structure

The bridge serves as a pivotal feature, designed as a simply supported metallic beam with parabolic cords connected by transversal ribs. This structural choice ensures both stability and a pleasing appearance. The careful arrangement of the cords creates a distinctive shape that aligns with the natural contours of the landscape and defines the available deck area.

Material Choices

Material selection plays a significant role in defining the project. Key components include metallic beams, parabolic cords, and transversal ribs, chosen for their reliability and strength. Additionally, thermo-treated timber slats provide cladding for both the upper and lower surfaces of the bridge, reinforcing its relationship with the surrounding natural elements.

The design culminates in a structure that fits well within the park's landscape. It offers functionality while maintaining a direct connection to its environment, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty around them.

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