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Transforming Natural Contours with Glulam Timber and Integrated Lighting in a Pedestrian Bridge

Authors:
Alex Warr, Noah Winkler
Transforming Natural Contours with Glulam Timber and Integrated Lighting in a Pedestrian Bridge

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainable design, glulam timber construction, and integrated lighting, this pedestrian bridge elegantly navigates natural contours to enhance connectivity within its forested park setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced glulam timber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features transparent steel guardrails for unobstructed views while ensuring safety.
03
Incorporates integrated lighting that seamlessly blends with the bridge's form.
04
Designed with a zero-grade transition to enhance accessibility for all users.
05
Adapts visually to seasonal changes by reflecting surrounding natural colors.
Plakans Bridge is an architectural design project that exemplifies the integration of functionality with natural aesthetics. This pedestrian and cyclist bridge unfurls across a forested landscape, emphasizing accessibility and creating an immersive experience for users. The design reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and an innovative approach to material usage, presenting a well-thought-out solution to connect park pathways while minimizing the ecological footprint.

Design Representation and Functionality
The project embodies the concept of a log naturally spanning across the ground, thereby allowing a level, zero-grade transition for pedestrians and cyclists. This design reduces barriers and promotes inclusivity, ensuring ease of movement for diverse users, including individuals with mobility challenges.

The bridge's structure relies heavily on sustainably sourced glulam timber, which ensures strength and contributes to environmental considerations. The bridge also incorporates steel components to provide necessary structural support without compromising the visual integration with the landscape. Concrete is utilized sparingly, primarily for foundational support. This careful selection of materials reinforces the overarching design philosophy of minimizing environmental disruption while enhancing the natural surroundings.

Unique Design Approaches
One of the defining features of Plakans Bridge is its dynamic profile, which adapts to the surrounding terrain and vegetation. Users experience varied elevation changes that mimic natural topography, offering visual engagement and interaction with the landscape. The careful placement of transparent steel guardrails enhances safety while allowing unobstructed views, encouraging users to appreciate their environment.

Another distinctive element is the incorporation of integrated lighting within the bridge design. The lighting fixtures are unobtrusively positioned to ensure visibility at night without detracting from the bridge's minimalist aesthetic. This thoughtful design consideration extends the usability of the bridge into the evening hours, promoting its role as a connective pathway within the park.

Material and Technological Integration
The construction of Plakans Bridge emphasizes prefabricated components, allowing for efficient assembly that minimizes disruption to the environment. This modular approach reflects modern architectural practices that prioritize not only functionality but also sustainability. By utilizing locally sourced materials, the project significantly reduces its carbon footprint, presenting an architectural model for future developments.

The design's harmony with the seasonal changes of the surrounding landscape is also notable. The choice of materials and the overall form respond to the integration with seasonal colors and textures, further enhancing its connection to nature.

For a deeper understanding of Plakans Bridge and its architectural significance, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes comprehensive architectural plans, sections, and designs. An examination of these elements will provide insights into the innovative design ideas and technical approaches that define this project.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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