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Woven Mesh and Elevated Timber Pods in a Focused Avian Habitat

Author:
Enrico Daffonchio
Woven Mesh and Elevated Timber Pods in a Focused Avian Habitat

Project in-detail

Elevated timber pods constructed with woven mesh create immersive observation points for birdwatching, enhancing interactions with avian life while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated walkways minimize ecological disturbance while providing access to the habitat.
02
Woven mesh exteriors allow for natural light filtration and enhanced visibility of surrounding environments.
03
The design incorporates multiple pod functions, including dedicated spaces for observation, interaction, and relaxation.
04
Use of sustainably sourced timber materials emphasizes environmental responsibility in construction.
05
Strategically positioned pods encourage immersive experiences in birdwatching and ecosystem appreciation.

### Overview

The installation "Ornaments: An Avian Playground" is designed to encourage engagement with avian habitats through a series of innovative structures. Located within an urban context, the concept reflects on the relationship between humans and nature, particularly addressing the impact of urban development on bird environments. The design promotes interaction and exploration, creating a unique space that invites visitors to experience the natural world through a playful lens.

### Spatial Strategy and Circulation

The layout consists of several distinct structures known as "pods," each designated for specific activities: the 360 Pod, Sky Pod, Water Pod, and Nesting Pods. Pathways constructed from a lightweight steel grid facilitate movement through the site, allowing for a meandering journey rather than a straightforward path. This configuration emphasizes exploration, mirroring the migration patterns of birds and integrating visitor movement with the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Structural Elements

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials, balancing durability with aesthetic appeal. The steel framework serves as the primary structural support, providing resilience while contributing an industrial contrast to the natural setting. Interior elements of the pods utilize wood, evoking natural nesting materials and reinforcing connections to avian habitats. Additionally, woven mesh is incorporated into the pod design, facilitating an interplay of light and shadow that enhances the spatial experience.

The 360 Pod features an expansive viewing platform for panoramic observation, while the Sky Pod is elevated to offer intimate birdwatching conditions. The Water Pod, designed to engage visitors at the water's edge, invites tactile interaction with the environment. Lastly, the Nesting Pods provide secluded spaces for quiet reflection on nature. In each aspect, the design respects the existing ecosystem, with elevated walkways minimizing ecological disturbance.

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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