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An Elevated Tower Inspired by the Phoenix Myth

Author:
Edita Bruzikaite
An Elevated Tower Inspired by the Phoenix Myth
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Located in Pape, the structure serves as a platform for observing local birdlife and engaging with the surrounding natural environment. Its design responds to the site’s ecological and cultural context, providing elevated viewpoints while maintaining a modest footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's triangular form varies by viewing angle.
02
Multiple viewing platforms enhance bird observation experiences.
03
Charred timber exterior relates to the phoenix imagery.
04
Design inspired by nearby meadows and wooden architecture.
05
Monochromatic palette integrates with natural and cultural contexts.

Lake Phoenix is located in Pape and functions as a bird observation tower, replacing an earlier structure that was destroyed by fire. The design emphasizes engagement with the natural environment, providing spaces for visitors to observe local wildlife and explore the surrounding landscape. Its form and layout support focused observation while maintaining a subtle presence within the park.

Spatial Strategy
The tower features a triangular form that changes appearance depending on the viewing angle, creating dynamic visual interactions with the landscape. Multiple viewing platforms are arranged vertically, offering distinct perspectives of the surrounding environment and facilitating observation of birdlife. The transparency of the structure ensures continuous visual connection with the natural setting, allowing visitors to experience the ecosystem without obstruction.

Materiality and Contextual Integration
The exterior is clad in charred timber, a reference to the imagery of feathers associated with the mythical phoenix. This material provides durability and protection against weather while harmonizing with the colors and textures of the landscape. The design draws inspiration from nearby open meadows and traditional wooden architecture, adopting a simple, monochromatic palette that integrates contemporary form with its natural and cultural context.

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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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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
Prize 100,000 €
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