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Curved Timber Fins Define an Elevated Observation Experience in Wetland Environment

Authors:
Ludovico Lombardi, Lisa Kinnerud
Curved Timber Fins Define an Elevated Observation Experience in Wetland Environment
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Curved larch timber fins create a seamless interface between structure and environment, offering dynamic viewing platforms that enhance wildlife observation within the wetlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved timber fins create a semi-transparent facade, fostering a visual connection between the interior and the natural surroundings.
02
The spiral staircase enhances visitor circulation while providing varying viewpoints throughout the structure.
03
Circular platforms of different diameters accommodate diverse user groups, from individuals to families.
04
Constructed with sustainably sourced larch wood, the design prioritizes environmental harmony.
05
The tower's elevation allows for unobstructed 360-degree views, optimizing wildlife observation opportunities.

### Overview

The Pipe Bird Observation Tower, designed by the architecture firm omo, is strategically situated in the Pipe wetlands. This structure serves as both an observatory for birdwatchers and a public space, aiming to foster a connection between users and the natural environment. The design emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic coherence, integrating with the unique characteristics of the wetlands.

### Spatial and Structural Layout

The observation tower features a series of circular platforms connected by a sinuous staircase, accommodating diverse group dynamics. Each platform varies in size, facilitating interaction among visitors while also providing opportunities for solitary observation. The cohesive design allows for a fluid visitor experience, with platforms extending outward from a central stem. This arrangement ensures unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the engagement of users with the local ecology.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

Key materials used in the tower's construction include larch wood and wooden planks. Larch wood makes up the vertical fins, providing a semi-transparent façade that allows natural light to permeate while maintaining privacy. Similarly, wooden planks serve as the flooring, promoting durability and slip resistance in the outdoor setting. The selection of these materials not only supports the structural integrity of the tower but also reinforces its connection to the landscape through natural tonal variations that mirror the wetlands' colors. The design considers both environmental sustainability and visual appeal, aligning with the overarching goal of enhancing the user experience while promoting a sense of place within the natural context.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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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