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Vertical Frames and Glass Shelters Over Pedestrian Pathways in Natural Landscape

Author:
Leonid Emdin
Vertical Frames and Glass Shelters Over Pedestrian Pathways in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Thirteen sequential frames transition from horizontal to vertical, creating a dynamic pathway lined with glass shelters for pedestrians crossing the natural landscape of Gauja National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thirteen frames transition from horizontal to vertical, enhancing structural dynamics.
02
Glass strips provide weather protection while maintaining visual openness.
03
The canopy reaches over 4.5 meters, allowing heavy vehicles to pass underneath.
04
Reinforced concrete piles ensure durability in the supporting structure.
05
Information boards enrich user experience and engagement with the natural landscape.

The footbridge at Gauja National Park serves as a connection for pedestrians while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. This structure features an innovative design concept that prioritizes both function and user experience. Positioned within a scenic environment, the bridge enhances accessibility without disrupting the natural beauty of the park.

Design Concept
The bridge incorporates an oval frame design made up of thirteen sequential frames. Starting horizontally at the supports, the frames gradually rotate to a vertical position toward the center. This variation plays a crucial role in maintaining structural stability and managing the forces exerted on the bridge. The changing geometric shapes create a sense of movement, inviting pedestrians into a fluid interaction with the environment.

Structural Elements
In each frame, wooden beams interconnect, resulting in a strong yet lightweight structure. The outer part of each frame consists of 16 faces that twist around the main axis. As people walk across the bridge, these frames engage the eye, making the structure feel alive. Protecting users from rain and wind, two glass strips run along the top, allowing for views of the sky and trees while providing necessary shelter.

Canopy and Support
The canopy of the bridge arches gently, raising the lowest point to over 4.5 meters, which allows heavy vehicles to pass underneath. The height does not impede pedestrian flow, offering a spacious feel. Underneath, the support system includes reinforced concrete slabs that act as a grillage for reinforced concrete piles. This sturdy foundation is vital for long-term durability and stability.

Information and Engagement
At both ends of the footbridge, information boards inform visitors about the structure itself and the surrounding park information. These boards add an educational dimension to the experience, enhancing the connection between the bridge and its natural context. Users can navigate easily while engaging with both the architecture and the environment around them.

As visitors walk along the bridge, the interplay of light and shadows created by the design elements encourages exploration and reflection, highlighting the beauty of the landscape within Gauja National Park.

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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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