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Cylindrical Reclaimed Wood Structure Enhancing Wetland Habitats for Visitor Engagement

Authors:
Tiago Cabral, Henrique Pimentel, Sara Pimentel
Cylindrical Reclaimed Wood Structure Enhancing Wetland Habitats for Visitor Engagement

Project in-detail

Celebrating wetland biodiversity, the cylindrical structure of reclaimed wood incorporates wildlife-friendly features while offering visitors a unique vantage point for nature observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical form enhances natural views while reducing visual impact on the landscape.
02
Wildlife nesting spots integrated within the facade promote biodiversity conservation.
03
Spiral staircase design encourages visitors to engage with their surroundings at multiple viewpoints.
04
Transparent glass elements increase daylight penetration and connection to the natural environment.
05
Minimal foundation footprint ensures the preservation of existing flora and fauna.

The Natural Observation Tower is an architectural project designed to integrate human observation with natural ecosystems, positioned within the context of Pape Natural Park. This structure serves as both a viewing platform for visitors and a facilitator of wildlife interaction, exemplifying a thoughtful approach to architectural design that respects and enhances its environment.

The tower features a cylindrical form, rising vertically to offer multiple observation points. Its design prioritizes sustainability, utilizing materials that minimize environmental impact while ensuring durability. The primary materials employed include reclaimed wood, metal supports, and transparent glass elements, allowing natural light to permeate the space without obstructing views of the surrounding wetland.

This project represents a significant step in eco-friendly architecture, merging functionality with ecological integrity. The tower facilitates access to scenic vistas while ensuring the conservation of local wildlife habitats.

Structural Design and Functionality

The design includes three primary levels accessible by a spiral staircase that winds around a central core, providing an engaging visitor experience. The helical pathway encourages visitors to stop and observe their surroundings, with extensions allowing for resting areas. The cylindrical shape of the tower mimics natural forms, creating a harmonious relationship with the landscape.

Unique to this project is the incorporation of bird nesting spots within its facade, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing local biodiversity. This integration of wildlife-friendly features gives the structure a dual function as both an observation point and a habitat for various species. The gaps between the slats in the facade promote natural ventilation while allowing animals to move freely, making it an ideal environment for species accustomed to the park's ecosystem.

Sustainable Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

The tower employs reclaimed wood for its structural elements, emphasizing sustainability and reducing reliance on new materials. Metal components provide necessary structural support, while transparent glass features augment the interaction between visitors and their natural surroundings. The use of these materials not only enhances the building's durability but also supports the overarching goal of architectural sustainability.

Additionally, the design approach embraces a minimalist footprint, carefully considering the impact on the surrounding environment. The foundation is intentionally small to minimize disturbance to the wetland, allowing existing flora and fauna to remain undisturbed.

This project exemplifies an innovative approach to integrating architecture with the natural world. The synergy between human activity and environmental preservation is evident throughout the design, highlighting the potential for architecture to contribute positively to ecological systems.

For those interested in the architectural principles guiding this project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs can provide deeper insights. Review the project presentation to understand the unique architectural ideas that shape this observation tower and its function within the Pape Natural Park ecosystem.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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