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Weaving Willow and Timber into a Community-Focused Observation Tower

Authors:
Adam Holloway, Parth Jivrajani, Marco De Silva Rosa
Weaving Willow and Timber into a Community-Focused Observation Tower

Project in-detail

Combining a hyperboloid timber structure with woven willow elements, the observation tower enhances wildlife engagement while promoting ecological education within its natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a hyperboloid shape to maximize observation capabilities while enhancing structural stability.
02
Incorporates woven willow strands into the design for camouflage and blend with the natural environment.
03
Features stepped platforms that provide multiple viewing angles for birdwatching.
04
Employs sustainable timber construction methods, minimizing site disturbance and environmental impact.
05
Integrates educational spaces within the tower to facilitate wildlife learning and conservation awareness.

## Overview
The Pape Bird Observation Tower is situated within Pape Nature Park in Latvia, designed to serve as a dedicated platform for birdwatching and ecological education. This facility aims to enhance visitor experiences of local wildlife in its natural habitat while fostering awareness of ecological conservation. The design thoughtfully engages with the surrounding environment, offering a space that promotes interaction with nature.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout of the observation tower is driven by the park's unique ecological zones, which support diverse bird species. The tower's orientation reflects important seasonal migration patterns, effectively positioning visitors to view migratory activities during peak times in spring and autumn. The structure features an open, spiral form that enables unobstructed sightlines over the landscape while simultaneously providing varying observation levels through strategically designed steps.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration
The use of materials enhances both functionality and aesthetic quality. The primary construction utilizes timber columns arranged in both straight and spiral configurations, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining a natural appearance. The tower’s exterior is woven with willow strands, allowing for camouflage that does not disrupt wildlife observation. The design minimizes ground disturbance with a foundation supported by timber piles, reinforcing the connection between the architectural structure and its ecosystem. This careful choice of materials underscores a commitment to sustainability and conservation in both design and use.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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