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Transparent Viewing Platforms Built With Steel and Wood For Immersive Wildlife Observation

Author:
Lu Liu
Transparent Viewing Platforms Built With Steel and Wood For Immersive Wildlife Observation

Project in-detail

Constructed with a lightweight steel framework and expansive glass panels, the observation tower offers unobstructed views of the marshlands, facilitating immersive wildlife observation while seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a transparent glass façade, allowing unobstructed views of the surrounding marshland.
02
Utilizes a lightweight steel framework, promoting structural stability while minimizing visual impact.
03
Integrated viewing platforms at multiple elevations to enhance birdwatching experiences.
04
Features permeable flooring to allow natural light and visual continuity between levels.
05
Designed to educate visitors about local wildlife and promote ecological awareness.
The Bird Observation Tower is an architectural project designed to enhance the experience of birdwatching while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. This structure prioritizes functionality and minimal visual impact, reflecting an architecture that respects its ecological context. By employing a minimalist aesthetic, the tower serves as a tool for observation rather than a distinct landmark, functioning primarily to foster a connection between visitors and wildlife.

Material Selection and Structural Integrity

What sets this project apart from conventional observation towers is its strategic choice of materials. The primary structural framework is constructed from steel, which provides strength while maintaining a slender profile. This choice allows the tower to blend visually with the horizon. The use of a metal grid for flooring ensures safety while allowing natural light penetration and visibility through the open structure.

Clear glass panels form the walls of the observation areas, enhancing visual continuity with the environment. This transparency creates an unobstructed view for birdwatchers while minimizing the physical presence of the building within the landscape. Wood panels offer a textural contrast and warmth, connecting the structure to its ecological surroundings. Together, these materials facilitate a lightweight appearance and a tactile experience for visitors.

Functional Design and Spatial Configuration

The Bird Observation Tower exhibits a thoughtful functional design that emphasizes user experience. The multilevel viewing platforms are a significant aspect of the design, providing diverse vantage points for observing avian species throughout different seasons and times of day. A carefully designed crisscross arrangement of staircases ensures efficient movement throughout the space while maintaining accessibility.

The architectural design emphasizes interaction with the surrounding environment. In different lighting conditions, the structure's visual characteristics shift, allowing it to blend harmoniously with the changing natural scenery. This fluidity enhances the sensory experience for visitors as they engage with nature.

Educational Purpose and Environmental Respect

Beyond its functional and aesthetic qualities, the Bird Observation Tower plays an educational role. It serves as a space for raising awareness about the importance of preserving local ecosystems, encouraging visitors to appreciate wildlife and engage in conservation practices. This dual focus on education and observation encapsulates the tower's purpose, promoting ecological awareness alongside the enjoyment of natural beauty.

For individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the architectural design and functionality of the Bird Observation Tower, an exploration of the architectural plans and sections is encouraged. These resources provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas and specific design elements that contribute to the project's unique approach to integrating human activity with nature.
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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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