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Transparent Connection of Steel and Smoked Acrylic in Natural Landscape

Authors:
João Sá couto, Diogo Mina
Transparent Connection of Steel and Smoked Acrylic in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

A seamless blend of steel and smoked acrylic creates a visually transparent footbridge that enhances accessibility while connecting visitors with the natural beauty of Gauja National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light filters through smoked acrylic panels, creating dynamic shadow patterns on the bridge surface.
02
The design incorporates a gentle slope for improved accessibility, suitable for all users.
03
The bridge's framework is constructed from steel, ensuring durability and low maintenance.
04
Guardrails are uniquely designed to guide visitors' views toward significant landmarks.
05
The structure maintains visual transparency, enhancing connections to the surrounding landscape.

The Seethrough Footbridge is located in the tranquil setting of Gauja National Park, Latvia. It serves as an important link for visitors exploring the park’s diverse landscape. The design focuses on enhancing pedestrian accessibility while respecting the natural surroundings. The emphasis on sustainability and visual continuity allows the structure to blend into the environment harmoniously.

Framework and Structure
The design takes into account the unique topography of the site. It is carefully placed to ensure easy access while maintaining a sufficient height for larger vehicles to pass underneath. The gentle slope of the bridge allows all users, regardless of mobility, to cross with ease. This thoughtful approach ensures that the bridge functions well in its setting.

Material Transparency
One notable aspect of the bridge is its emphasis on transparency. Non-opaque materials are used to create visual connections with the environment. The primary structure is made from steel, which provides necessary strength and durability. Additionally, the use of smoked acrylic sheets lets light enter the space, resulting in shifting patterns of light and shadow that enhance the atmosphere as people move across the bridge.

Engagement with Landscape
The arrangement of the bridge is designed to foster interactions with the surrounding landscape. The guardrail on one side slopes gently, while the other side remains straight, directing visitors' attention toward significant features, such as the nearby lake and the Sigulda Evangelic Lutheran Church. This design approach creates a strong relationship between people and nature, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty around them as they traverse the bridge.

The Seethrough Footbridge represents a balance of functionality and user experience, showcasing the importance of design that respects natural environments. The integration of materials and thoughtful details encourages an engaging experience for all who cross this structure.

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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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