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Charred Cedar Cladding Elevates a Birdwatching Tower in a Wetland Environment

Authors:
David Stern, Ryan Wheless, Chris Taylor
Charred Cedar Cladding Elevates a Birdwatching Tower in a Wetland Environment
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Constructed with charred cedar cladding, the elevated observation tower offers panoramic views of the wetland ecosystem while promoting environmental awareness and community engagement through birdwatching.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred cedar for durability and aesthetics, enhancing resistance to weather.
02
Elevated design minimizes ecological impact while providing unobstructed views of the wetland.
03
Features extensive glazing within timber framing to maximize natural light and views.
04
Incorporates a community-accessible walkway that encourages interaction with the surrounding nature.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to optimize sightlines and structural integrity.

### Overview
The Lake Pape Perch is a bird observation tower located in Pape Nature Park, an area celebrated for its biodiversity and natural beauty. The design intent focuses on reflecting the surrounding environment while fostering ecological sensitivity and community engagement. By integrating modern architectural principles with sustainable practices, the structure aims to enhance visitors' interaction with nature.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The design incorporates several viewing platforms connected by a central staircase, each offering unique vantage points of the landscape. The first-floor platform provides accessible views, maintaining a close relationship with the wetlands below. The second-floor platform offers 360-degree perspectives, enhancing opportunities for wildlife observation. The roof level serves as a primary observation point, extending vistas beyond the park's boundaries. An accessible wooden walkway facilitates approach to the tower, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors and promoting engagement with the natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The structural design emphasizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials. Charred cedar siding, derived from the Shou Sugi Ban technique, is employed for its durability and fire-resistant properties, while imparting an artisanal aesthetic. Concrete pier foundations minimize ecological disruption, elevating the structure above wetland areas. Additionally, timber framing contributes to the lightweight profile of the building, allowing it to integrate comfortably into its environment. The extensive use of glazing within the framework promotes natural light flow and frames views of the wetlands, thereby creating a strong visual connection between visitors and the surrounding ecosystem.

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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
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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