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Curvilinear Timber Structure Enhancing Birdwatching Through Elevated Observation Platforms

Authors:
Robin Beele, Tim Rethwilm, Viktor Ljubschin
Curvilinear Timber Structure Enhancing Birdwatching Through Elevated Observation Platforms
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The hyperboloid form crafted from timber and steel rises above the Pape Nature Reserve, providing an elevated vantage point for observing bird migration while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's hyperboloid shape enhances structural stability while minimizing material use.
02
Three observation platforms provide diverse perspectives on bird migration patterns.
03
Timber and steel materials were selected to ensure environmental integration and durability.
04
The design incorporates natural light through large openings without compromising safety.
05
The foundation employs a pile system to address the site's high water table effectively.

### Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is situated in the Pape Nature Reserve in Latvia, an area characterized by its diverse ecosystems of forests and wetlands near the Baltic Sea. The tower is designed to facilitate bird observation while integrating with the natural landscape, providing visitors with an immersive experience. The architectural intent emphasizes both functionality and ecological sensitivity, reflecting a harmony with the surrounding environment.

### Spatial Strategy

The design of the tower features a hyperboloid form that not only captures the attention but enhances various viewing experiences. It incorporates three overlapping platforms at heights of 1.90 meters, 4.60 meters, and 7.30 meters, allowing for diverse sightlines and a comprehensive 360-degree perspective on bird migration patterns. The bell-mouth shape expands outward as visitors ascend, providing larger observation areas while maintaining an inviting sense of enclosure. The thoughtful arrangement of structural members promotes transparency, allowing natural light to filter through and minimizing the visual mass of the structure.

### Material Selection

Materiality plays a crucial role in the tower's design, contributing to both its aesthetic and functional attributes. The primary materials include wood, selected for its warm appearance and natural integration with the forest, and steel, which reinforces structural integrity with flexibility. Lightweight chipboard forms part of the roofing system, complemented by waterproof membrane layers for effective moisture protection. A concrete pile foundation ensures stability within the site's high water table context. This careful selection supports a lightweight construction, promoting an airy environment that encourages visitor engagement with the adjacent landscape while adhering to sustainable practices.

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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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