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Timber Platforms Suspended in a Natural Landscape with Rope Cladding

Author:
Patricio Hatrick
Timber Platforms Suspended in a Natural Landscape with Rope Cladding

Project in-detail

Suspended timber platforms, wrapped in rope cladding, create an accessible pathway through a natural landscape, providing observation points for visitors to engage with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular platforms allow for dynamic visitor movement and interaction with the landscape.
02
Rope cladding creates a semi-transparent veil that visually connects interior and exterior spaces.
03
The design includes multiple observation points at various heights for enhanced engagement with nature.
04
Manual installation of wooden piles minimizes ecological disruption during construction.
05
The structure offers cross ventilation, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate without relying on mechanical systems.

The design features a modular wooden boardwalk set within a natural landscape, guiding visitors toward a newly constructed building. Accessibility is a core focus, with platforms that shift into ramps and flat landings, allowing easy movement for individuals with disabilities. The concept emphasizes inclusivity and a strong connection to the surroundings, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Structural Elements

The foundation consists of wooden piles that support a flexible framework. These piles are wrapped in ropes, creating a semi-transparent layer that adds visual interest and illustrates the interaction of visitors with the space. The roof, made of translucent timber, takes on a shape reminiscent of a bird’s bill, helping the design blend with the environment.

Interior Spaces

Inside, spaces are open and transparent, offering views of the surrounding nature. This openness allows visitors to connect with the environment; viewpoints are carefully positioned to enhance this interaction. A central staircase provides direct access to various areas, while the top platform features a roof that offers both shade and extensive views of the site.

Ventilation and Climate Control

Ventilation is a key consideration in the overall design, with airflow encouraged through the central area and hot air expelled outside. Ropes clad the columns along the facades, linking them to a framework of metal cables. This arrangement defines spaces while promoting effective air circulation and providing shade. The result is a comfortable interior that remains connected to the outdoor climate.

Construction Methodology

Construction starts with the manual installation of wooden piles, which limits machinery use and minimizes disruption to the natural area. Columns and horizontal beams are joined with metal nodes for strength. Wooden platforms serve as both useful space and scaffolding for higher construction levels. The process is completed with the installation of the top cover, which includes modular panels, a central staircase, and the facade cladding of ropes.

An intimate observation area is integrated into the interior. This feature allows visitors to engage with nature while maintaining their privacy. Such details enhance the experience by creating moments for quiet reflection amidst the vibrant 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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