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 Verticality and Steel Grating Create an Immersive Birdwatching Sanctuary

Author:
Francisco Molina
Timber Verticality and Steel Grating Create an Immersive Birdwatching Sanctuary

Project in-detail

Utilizing timber verticality and steel grating, the observatory seamlessly integrates into the grassland habitat, enhancing the birdwatching experience while promoting ecological sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber verticality integrates with the landscape, enhancing the visual connection to the grassland.
02
The design features a zigzag ramp that creates a gradual entry into the observation space.
03
Steel grating flooring allows for minimal material use while providing durability and unobstructed views.
04
The structure adapts to varying weather conditions, ensuring usability throughout the year.
05
Natural materials are chosen to promote ecological sensitivity and camouflage within the environment.

### Project Overview
The Grassland Tower is situated adjacent to a bird sanctuary, offering an architectural solution that enhances human interaction with the surrounding natural environment. The design integrates an observatory that prioritizes bird watching while minimizing disruption to local wildlife. The primary intent is to serve as an entry point into the natural landscape, facilitating immersion and observation in a manner that respects the ecosystem.

### Spatial Navigation
A key feature of the design is a zigzag ramp that guides visitors towards the observation tower, intentionally creating a gradual experience that builds anticipation. This pathway encourages users to engage with the terrain, progressively revealing panoramic views of the grasslands. The ramp serves not only as a physical connection but also as an experiential journey that heightens awareness of the site's ecological context.

### Material Integration
The selection of materials in Grassland Tower emphasizes both functionality and environmental harmony. Natural timber is utilized for the vertical support structures, achieving a cohesive visual alignment with the surrounding flora. Steel grating is integrated into the flooring, providing durability while minimizing visual disruption. Concrete elements are employed for the foundation, ensuring structural stability in varying weather conditions. This careful materiality reinforces the observatory's connection to its environment while maintaining durability and aesthetic integrity.

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