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Charred Wooden Shingles Define an Elevated Viewing Experience in a Nature-Focused Environment

Author:
Eduardo Vega Arevalo
Charred Wooden Shingles Define an Elevated Viewing Experience in a Nature-Focused Environment
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Crafted from charred wooden shingles and designed with elevated balconies, the structure enhances birdwatching experiences while seamlessly integrating into its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design maximizing aesthetic integration with the landscape.
04
Includes strategically placed balconies for optimal birdwatching and interaction with nature.
05
Integrates rainwater collection systems for improved environmental sustainability.

### Project Overview
The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located within the Pape Nature Park in southwestern Latvia, designed to enhance community engagement and wildlife observation. Its architecture is thoughtfully integrated into a significant bird migration route, reflecting the ecological attributes of the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Strategy
The tower is organized into three distinct levels, each designed to facilitate different interactions with nature. The first level serves as an access point with recreational areas and introductory observation spaces that cater to families and casual visitors. The second level offers a more intimate experience for birdwatchers, featuring amenities such as binocular racks and informational displays. The third level provides expansive views of the landscape, optimized for serious birdwatching and photography, with additional landscaping intended to attract local fauna. The thoughtful arrangement of exposed balconies allows for unobstructed viewing angles and encourages visitors to engage more deeply with their surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Constructed primarily of wood, the tower reflects local building traditions while harmonizing with the natural landscape. Glass elements are incorporated in railings and select façades to provide clear sightlines for birdwatching while maximizing natural light. Steel supports structural integrity across the varying levels. Sustainability is a critical component of the design, featuring green roofs and a potential solar panel system to improve energy efficiency. Water collection systems are integrated into the design, promoting self-sufficiency and aligning with local hydrological cycles. The foundation, supported by eight wooden columns, was tailored based on soil testing to ensure stability and longevity, while the design also prioritizes accessibility for all visitors through the inclusion of stairs and optional elevators.

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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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