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Charred Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Integrates Seamlessly With Wetland Habitat

Authors:
Daniel Westendorf, Kevin Rosenberg, Christina Smith, Treesa John
Charred Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Integrates Seamlessly With Wetland Habitat

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber design that harmonizes with the wetland ecosystem, the structure provides a unique elevated platform for birdwatching enthusiasts to connect with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation tower's design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while blending with the natural landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural stability, showcasing an eco-friendly construction method.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for an optimal viewing angle, maximizing the birdwatching experience.
04
Native plant integration around the tower promotes local biodiversity and supports surrounding wildlife.
05
The winding pathway leading to the platform encourages contemplation and engagement with the wetlands.
The Pape Bird Observation Tower serves as a thoughtful architectural response to the surrounding wetlands, fulfilling its dual role as both a functional viewing platform for birdwatchers and a significant addition to the natural landscape of Pape Nature Park. This project represents a harmonious blend of design and nature, facilitating meaningful interactions between visitors and the diverse avian species that inhabit the area. The architectural design is characterized by its organic forms, drawn from the very elements of the environment it seeks to celebrate, such as tall reeds and the undulating contours of the surrounding wetlands.

The primary function of the Pape Bird Observation Tower is to provide an elevated vantage point for birdwatching, enhancing the experience of observing wildlife. The design invites visitors to engage with nature in an interactive manner, creating an immersive environment that educates and inspires. Well-defined pathways lead to the observation platform, designed to offer varying perspectives of the wetlands and its inhabitants. This encourages visitors to pause, observe, and appreciate the natural world around them.

Key elements of the tower include tall vertical wooden columns that not only support the structure but also echo the natural flora of the wetlands. This architectural choice enhances the aesthetic appeal and fosters an environment that promotes wildlife encounters, as the varying heights allow birds to perch and interact with the space. The path that meanders toward the observation deck is intentionally serpentine, designed to slow down the visitor's journey and heighten their connection to the landscape. This winding movement creates a sense of anticipation, engaging users visually and emotionally before they reach the elevated platform.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this project, with a careful selection of components that complement the natural setting. Locally sourced wood is prominently used, aligning with sustainable practices while ensuring the structure resonates with its environment. The addition of Corten steel for the pathway surface enhances durability while blending harmoniously into the earth-tone palette of the wetlands. Large glass openings are used strategically throughout the design to provide unobstructed views, ensuring that the beauty of the surrounding landscape is never compromised.

The educational component of the Pape Bird Observation Tower is seamlessly integrated within the architectural framework. Informational signage and interactive elements are incorporated into the structure, enriching the visitor experience with knowledge about local bird species and their habitats. This serves to strengthen awareness of environmental conservation and the significance of preserving natural ecosystems.

What sets the design apart is its unique engagement with both the architectural language and the ecology of the wetlands. The tower reflects a contemporary approach to architecture that prioritizes environmental integration and user engagement. The design avoids creating barriers between humans and nature, instead fostering a relationship that is respectful of wildlife and supportive of ecological diversity.

In summary, the Pape Bird Observation Tower stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes interaction with nature, sustainability, and education. Its presence within Pape Nature Park symbolizes the potential for architecture to enhance an ecological landscape while providing functional spaces for community use. For those interested in exploring this project further, delving into the architectural plans, sections, and design details will yield deeper insights into the innovative approaches that define this memorable architectural endeavor. The project invites an exploration of ideas that emphasize the importance of connecting architecture with the natural world in beneficial and imaginative ways.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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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