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Biomimetic Tower of Steel Blades and Local Timber in Wetland Observation

Authors:
James Harper, Alasdair Ross
Biomimetic Tower of Steel Blades and Local Timber in Wetland Observation
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A biomimetic observation tower, characterized by its slender steel blades and locally sourced timber, rises above the wetlands to provide an immersive vantage point for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biomimetic design inspired by local reeds enhances the connection between structure and environment.
02
Tapered steel blades provide structural support while minimizing visual obstruction for enhanced birdwatching.
03
A circular staircase promotes engagement with the interior space and offers varied perspectives of the surroundings.
04
Locally sourced timber is used for flooring and railings, contributing to sustainability and regional identity.
05
Open viewing platforms allow for direct interaction with environmental elements, enriching the user experience.

### Project Overview
The bird observation tower, situated on the southern shore of Pope’s Lake within Pope Nature Park, is designed to integrate with the surrounding wetlands while enhancing the experience for visitors. The structure facilitates birdwatching and serves as an educational platform to promote awareness of local ecosystems. This design merges functional requirements with aesthetic considerations and ecological sensitivity.

### Material Selection
The project's construction materials prioritize sustainability and durability. Key components include:

1. **Steel Blades**: Vertical steel elements form the tower's perimeter, providing structural integrity while offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
2. **Local Timber**: Incorporated in flooring and staircases, local timber contributes warmth and tactile quality, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere for users.

The combination of the industrial nature of steel and the organic characteristics of timber achieves a balance between strength and natural texture.

### Structural and User Experience
The observation tower is characterized by its slender form, with steel blades that taper towards the top, echoing the movement of reeds and ensuring structural stability against environmental forces. A circular staircase spirals upwards, providing access to multiple observation decks and facilitating panoramic views of the wetlands.

Upon entering the tower, visitors experience a spatial composition that highlights openness and light. The contrast of timber and steel enriches the interior, creating a layered sensory experience. The strategically placed viewing platforms promote activities such as birdwatching and contemplation, allowing users to engage with natural elements like light and sound, thereby enhancing their connection to the environment.

Unique features of the design include its contextual integration with the park's topography, dynamic form that redirects wind while ensuring safety, biomimicry principles inspired by nesting behaviors, and a user-centric approach that accommodates diverse visitor needs.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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