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Curvilinear Observation Platform Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Eduardo Loza, Sergio Calderón, Isidro Iturralde
Curvilinear Observation Platform Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles
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A curvilinear platform of cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles offers an accessible vantage point for birdwatchers, blending seamlessly with the landscape while encouraging ecological engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A curvilinear form mimics natural land contours, enhancing site integration.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Custom metal railings incorporate an open mesh design for unobstructed views.
04
A ramped pathway ensures full accessibility for all users.
05
Strategically placed observation points encourage ecological engagement with local wildlife.

### Overview
Located within a natural landscape, the project, "A Line in the Landscape," is designed to serve as a dedicated observation platform for birdwatchers while fostering an appreciation for the surrounding environment. This structure enhances user engagement with nature through a carefully conceived architectural framework that promotes birdwatching as both a recreational and educational activity. The design integrates the path of the observation platform with the topography, ensuring that users experience the full visual and auditory richness of the natural setting.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The architectural composition consists of a bridge and an observation tower, interconnected by a winding platform that adapts to the contours of the land. The design emphasizes three main functions: standing, viewing, and movement. Designated standing areas allow users to pause and observe comfortably, while elevated viewing platforms provide expansive sightlines of the landscape. The ramped pathways ensure accessibility, accommodating users of various mobility levels and promoting a fluid experience throughout the structure. The form reflects intricate patterns found within natural ecosystems, enhancing the user's connection to the environment.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. Treated wood is predominantly used for walking surfaces and structural elements, fostering a warm, tactile experience that aligns with the surrounding nature. Steel mesh is utilized for railings and wind barriers, offering safety while maintaining unobstructed views; its industrial character contrasts with the warmth of the wood. Supported by a robust steel framework, the structure maintains stability in an exposed setting. The design encourages ecological responsiveness by promoting the growth of native flora around the walkways, which attracts various bird species and contributes to biodiversity. User-centric features, such as the provision of birdwatching equipment, further enhance the interactive experience, ensuring that the structure meets both functional and experiential needs.

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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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