Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Reinforcement Elevate A Nature-Inspired Observation Tower

Author:
Kanakorn Nualprapun
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Reinforcement Elevate A Nature-Inspired Observation Tower

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and steel reinforcement, the observation tower harmoniously integrates into Pape Bird Park, inviting visitors to engage with the enchanting wildlife from its thoughtfully designed viewing platforms.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure employs charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and resistance to the elements.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and a warm aesthetic.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes the tower's profile for viewing wildlife while minimizing its visual impact.
04
Viewing platforms are strategically placed to offer varied perspectives of the park’s biodiversity.
05
Sustainably sourced materials were used throughout the construction process to promote environmental responsibility.
The Bird Nest Box Tower situated in Pape Bird Park is an architectural project designed to serve as both a vantage point for observing wildlife and a functional nesting area for avian species. This structure reflects a thoughtful design approach, emphasizing the integration of architecture within its natural surroundings while fostering a connection between humans and wildlife. The tower stands as a symbol of respect for the environment, promoting ecological awareness and encouraging visitors to engage with nature.

The primary function of the Bird Nest Box Tower is to provide an elevated perspective for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. By incorporating both observational features and habitat functionalities, the design creates a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the experience of watching birds in their natural habitat. The architectural design includes an ascending pathway that leads to multiple observation platforms, allowing an unobstructed view of the park's diverse wildlife. These platforms are crafted to facilitate varying degrees of engagement with the environment, catering to both casual visitors and serious ornithologists.

In terms of important architectural elements, the structure is characterized by a simple yet effective form, reminiscent of a bird's nest. This parallels the essence of the project, where the design philosophy prioritizes harmony with nature over elaborate ornamentation. The materials utilized in the construction—primarily wood, complemented by steel reinforcements—reflect a sustainable ethos. The choice of wood not only provides warmth and comfort but also ensures that the structure remains environmentally conscious. Steel is incorporated to enhance structural integrity, ensuring that the tower withstands outdoor elements while maintaining safety for users.

The design of the façade is straightforward and minimalist, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly into the landscape of the park. This unobtrusive approach reinforces the project's intent to minimize its visual footprint, echoing the natural simplicity found in avian habitats. Strategically placed openings and slatted walls allow for ample natural light and airflow, while providing visitors with glimpses of the surrounding environment without detracting from the overall experience of the park.

The interior layout of the tower enhances the visitor experience by guiding them upwards through a series of ramps and staircases that mimic the gentle contours of a bird's ascent to its nest. Each level offers spaces that invite exploration and contemplation, fostering a connection between visitors and the local ecosystem. This thoughtful circulation design not only encourages physical movement but also serves as a metaphor for the freedom associated with flight, deepening the engagement with the natural elements that surround the tower.

A unique aspect of the Bird Nest Box Tower is its emphasis on social connectivity. The open design encourages communal interaction, whether it is families enjoying a day out or groups participating in organized birdwatching events. This feature aligns with contemporary architectural ideas that seek to promote social engagement through shared experiences within nature. By providing a platform for observation alongside opportunities for education and dialogue about wildlife conservation, the project highlights its role as a facilitator of community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Overall, the Bird Nest Box Tower exemplifies a focused architectural pursuit that prioritizes ecological symbiosis and user experience. It represents a contemporary understanding of how architecture can coexist with nature, serving practical purposes while also enriching the experience of those who utilize it. For further insights into this innovative project, including architectural plans, sections, and more detailed design specifications, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the Bird Nest Box Tower. This deeper examination reveals the intricacies of its design and the careful consideration that went into crafting a structure that is both functional and reflective of the natural world.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy