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Charred Wood Integration in a Contextual Linear Promenade for Avian Observation

Authors:
Harmen Van De Wal, Vera Sofia Tamburlin
Charred Wood Integration in a Contextual Linear Promenade for Avian Observation
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Utilizing charred wood to enhance durability and ecological integration, the promenade seamlessly ascends through wetlands, offering visitors a unique perspective of avian habitats while promoting environmentally sensitive recreational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood for enhanced weather resistance and durability.
02
Integrates elevation changes to create diverse viewing perspectives of avian habitats.
03
Features hidden observation areas designed for discreet wildlife engagement.
04
Incorporates locally sourced materials to minimize ecological impact.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design that complements the natural landscape.

### Overview

Promenade Volière is situated in Latvia's wetlands, focusing on a design that merges recreational use with ecological sensitivity. The project is primarily intended for birdwatching and public engagement with the natural environment, emphasizing the significance of sustainable interactions between urban spaces and their landscape context.

### Spatial Strategy

The design philosophy prioritizes horizontal integration over traditional verticality, featuring a gently ascending promenade that allows users to traverse the landscape while minimizing ground disturbance. Conceptual diagrams demonstrate how the structure contours the terrain, creating a fluid pathway complemented by shaded observation areas. This approach facilitates diverse perspectives of the wetlands, enhancing the overall user experience while fostering an appreciation for the local ecosystem.

### Materiality and Construction

Promenade Volière employs charred wood as a primary material, reflecting a commitment to local and environmentally sustainable practices. This technique, rooted in Japanese architecture, enhances durability and aesthetic appeal, contributing to weather-resistant cladding. Complementing this are laminated wood beams, wooden flooring, a concrete foundation, and steel base plates, all of which together ensure structural integrity while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The careful selection and application of these materials create an experience that aligns harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment.

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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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