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Brass Mesh Hides and Cross-Laminated Timber Shelters Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Wetlands

Authors:
Jackson Caish-sadlek, Anna Margin, Anna Black
Brass Mesh Hides and Cross-Laminated Timber Shelters Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Wetlands
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Utilizing locally sourced reed thatch and cross-laminated timber, the architectural design creates dual observation hides that seamlessly integrate with the wetland landscape, facilitating immersive birdwatching experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced reed thatch for roofing, emphasizing ecological integration.
02
Features cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency, reducing environmental impact.
03
Incorporates brass mesh for unobtrusive visibility while enhancing camouflage.
04
Designed with dual pavilions, offering diverse viewpoints for birdwatching.
05
Adopts curved roof forms that mimic natural shapes, blending seamlessly into the landscape.

## Project Overview

Located in Pape National Park, the Migration Path project focuses on enhancing the visitor experience through two strategically positioned observation hides. The design facilitates an intimate engagement with the park's significant bird migration routes and emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the natural landscape. By incorporating elements that invite exploration, the hides encourage visitors to fully immerse themselves in the park's ecological diversity.

## Spatial Strategy

The Migration Path employs a dual-hide configuration, breaking away from traditional singular observation towers to promote varied engagement and connectivity. One pavilion is situated under a canopy of trees, allowing close encounters with birdlife, while the other is elevated to provide expansive views of the wetlands. This design approach not only fosters a physical and experiential connection to the environment but also reflects the organic forms found in nature, particularly in avian architecture.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection is tailored to meet sustainability goals while resonating with the local context. Key elements include locally sourced reed thatch, providing camouflage and weather resistance; cross-laminated timber (CLT) for lightweight structural support; and brass mesh that enables unobtrusive observation. The use of stainless steel fixings ensures durability and a clean aesthetic. Together, these materials contribute to a design that underscores ecological integrity and minimizes environmental impact while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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Competition organisers

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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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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