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A Timber Observation Tower for Wetland Landscapes

Author:
Adrien Thivolle
A Timber Observation Tower for Wetland Landscapes
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Situated within a protected natural landscape, the proposal examines ways to guide visitors through the unique ecology of a bog while promoting engagement with the environment. It focuses on creating accessible, functional spaces that facilitate observation, learning, and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical structure contrasts with flat surrounding landscape.
02
Observation points offer expansive views of the bog.
03
Exhibition room details local geology and ecology.
04
Local spruce timber minimizes environmental impact.
05
Design facilitates accessibility with stairs and an elevator.

Located within Kemeri National Park, Latvia, the proposal explores a visitor center designed to engage people with the unique landscape of the bog. The vertical structure contrasts with the flat surroundings, creating a visible reference point that draws attention to the natural environment. The concept emphasizes the transition from the external urban or roadside context into an interactive experience within the park.

Functional Spaces and User Experience
The interior layout includes observation points that provide expansive views of the bog, an exhibition room detailing the area’s geology and ecology, and social spaces such as a café and a vertical playground. Each space is designed to encourage exploration and interaction with the landscape. Large windows frame exterior views and introduce natural light, reinforcing visual and spatial connections with the environment. Accessibility is addressed through a combination of stairs and an elevator, alongside facilities such as dry toilets and picnic areas to accommodate a range of visitor needs.

Materiality and Environmental Integration
Local spruce timber is used for primary structural and cladding elements, reducing environmental impact and maintaining a contextual connection to the landscape. The choice of materials minimizes groundwork, helping to preserve the bog ecosystem while maintaining structural durability. The design balances prominence with sensitivity, allowing the building to serve as a guide and gathering space without dominating the natural setting.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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