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Woven Rope Screens and Thatch Roof Envelop an Elevated Observation Tower in a Wetland Ecosystem

Authors:
Jonathan Parker, Bethany Mahre
Woven Rope Screens and Thatch Roof Envelop an Elevated Observation Tower in a Wetland Ecosystem

Project in-detail

Crafted with thatch roofing and woven rope screens, the observation tower elevates visitor engagement with its surrounding wetland ecosystem while providing a dedicated space for environmental education and birdwatching.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with natural thatch, the roof integrates seamlessly into the wetland landscape.
02
Woven rope screens provide transparency while allowing unobtrusive wildlife observation.
03
The footbridge elevates visitors above the marsh, enhancing viewing opportunities.
04
Dynamic angular design mimics the form of a bird taking flight.
05
Local materials emphasize sustainability and foster a connection with the surrounding environment.

### Project Overview
Located within a wetland ecosystem, the observation tower is designed to enhance birdwatching experiences while providing insights into avian behavior and habitats. The structure serves both as an observational point and an educational resource, promoting an understanding of local wildlife in a delicate environment that supports diverse bird species.

### Spatial Strategy and Design Elements
The tower's structural form features a sleek, angular silhouette, reminiscent of a bird's wing, which contrasts with the natural landscape and facilitates a harmonious integration into the surroundings. Access to the observation platforms is provided through a narrow footbridge, which elevates visitors above the flora, offering unobstructed sightlines towards the horizon and wildlife. The design incorporates two observation levels: an upper platform that offers expansive views of the marshland, and a lower platform that serves as a transitional space for engagement with ecological practices.

Key materials used in the construction include thatch for roofing, which aligns with local architectural vernacular and sustainability goals, and solid wood for structural integrity. A woven rope screen adds transparency, allowing wildlife observation without disruption. The design also considers ornithological details, reflecting bird anatomy in its interactions with light and shadow, thus deepening the connection between architecture and nature.

### Sustainability and Community Engagement
The use of recycled materials reinforces the commitment to ecological responsibility, contributing to a durable structure that aesthetically evolves over time as materials weather. The tower aims to foster community engagement through educational workshops and birdwatching events, positioning itself as a hub for eco-tourism and environmental stewardship. This approach emphasizes a modern architectural vision that harmonizes functionality, sustainability, and user experience while enhancing public awareness of biodiversity.

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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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