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Birdwatching Promenade Featuring Charred Wood and Laminated Timber Construction

Authors:
Harmen Van de wal, Vera Sofia Tamburlin
Birdwatching Promenade Featuring Charred Wood and Laminated Timber Construction

Project in-detail

This thoughtfully designed birdwatching promenade elegantly incorporates charred wood and laminated timber, creating an elevated experience that harmonizes with the natural landscape while providing unique vantage points for observing local wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The promenade includes specially designed concealed niches for birdwatching, allowing for unobtrusive wildlife observation.
02
A unique charred wood treatment is applied to the exterior, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the surrounding landscape.
03
Elevated walkways are constructed using cross-laminated timber panels, providing both structural integrity and a lightweight design.
04
The project incorporates native vegetation beneath the promenade, promoting biodiversity and minimizing ecological disruption.
05
Shaded lookout areas are integrated into the design, offering comfortable spaces for visitors to engage with nature without disturbing wildlife.
The Promenade Volière architectural project presents a thoughtful integration of structure and nature, specifically designed to enhance the experience of its surroundings while respecting ecological considerations. Located in Latvia, this project embodies a harmonious balance between human activity and the natural environment, emphasizing the importance of both functionality and aesthetics in modern design.

At its core, the project functions as a birdwatching promenade that invites visitors to engage with the rich biodiversity of the area. The design facilitates observation and appreciation of wildlife, providing a unique vantage point that encourages both relaxation and exploration. The gentle ascent of the promenade allows visitors to engage with the landscape from various heights, enhancing their connection to the environment.

The architectural design reflects a commitment to sustainability, employing local materials that not only reduce the carbon footprint but also resonate with the cultural context of the region. Key materials used in the construction include charred wood, laminated timber, plank wood flooring, as well as a robust steel base plate and concrete foundation. Each material serves a distinct purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of the project. The use of charred wood not only showcases durability and resistance to weathering but also introduces an elegant texture to the façade, blending the building into the natural landscape rather than imposing upon it.

Important elements of the project include hidden niches designed specifically for birdwatching, which allow for unobtrusive observation of wildlife. These shaded lookouts enable visitors to engage with their environment without disturbing the local fauna. This innovative approach showcases a unique understanding of how architecture can serve the purpose of conservation while enhancing public interaction with nature. The cantilevered sections of the promenade further exemplify a design that prioritizes visual appeal and experience, offering uninterrupted views and a fluid connection to the surroundings.

The integration of natural landscaping into the site plan is another significant aspect of the project. By allowing native vegetation to thrive beneath and around the structure, the promenade becomes a part of the ecological system rather than an isolated entity. This design approach not only promotes biodiversity but also fosters a sense of continuity between built and natural environments.

The architectural design embodies a philosophy that sees architecture not merely as a practical structure but as a facilitator of experiences that connect people with their environment. The promenade serves as a model for future projects that aspire to create spaces where nature and human activity can coexist harmoniously. The careful consideration of design elements—ranging from the choice of materials to the details of the promenade's form—demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can promote conservation and appreciation of the natural world.

For those interested in further exploring this project, reviewing the accompanying architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas and functional aspects integrated into the Promenade Volière. Engaging with these materials will enhance understanding of how this project not only represents a significant architectural achievement but also a commitment to preserving and celebrating the beauty of the natural environment.
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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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