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Cylindrical Observation Platform Crafted from Treated Timber and Integrated Natural Barriers

Authors:
Zuzanna Banaś, Magdalena Budyta, Katarzyna Gębalska, Aleksandra Konstanciak
Cylindrical Observation Platform Crafted from Treated Timber and Integrated Natural Barriers
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Constructed with treated timber and designed as a cylindrical observation platform, the structure offers an unobtrusive vantage point for birdwatching while integrating natural barriers to minimize disturbance to local wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with treated timber, the project minimizes ecological impact while enhancing durability.
02
The design incorporates natural barriers that allow for unobstructed wildlife observation.
03
A circular pathway layout promotes accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
04
Informational boards provide educational content about local bird species and habitat.
05
Rotatable binoculars are strategically installed to enhance the birdwatching experience.

### Project Overview
The Pape Bird Observation Tower, named "The Nest," is situated within a delicate ecological setting, designed to enhance birdwatching while promoting a meaningful connection between individuals and their natural surroundings. Inspired by the structure of a bird's nest, the design reflects themes of observation, leisure, and education.

### Spatial Strategy and User Accessibility
The tower features two circular pathways at distinct elevations—one at water level and another elevated to 6.5 meters. This configuration promotes universal accessibility, accommodating diverse user groups, including families and individuals with mobility challenges. The integration of gentle ramps connecting the two levels facilitates easy navigation, while strategically placed wooden benches encourage visitors to engage with the environment. The layout and design prioritize minimal disruption to local wildlife, ensuring that visitor experiences are both immersive and ecologically considerate.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
Construction materials were chosen for their natural aesthetic and compatibility with the surroundings. Treated wood serves as the primary structural material, while metal strings act as unobtrusive barriers to enhance visibility for birdwatchers. Driven piles provide structural stability in the marshy terrain, and wooden cylindrical panels, varying in diameter, obscure human presence, thereby reducing disturbances to birdlife. This careful selection of materials underscores a commitment to ecological integrity, reinforcing the tower's role as both a viewing platform and a space for preservation and education.

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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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