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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
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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.

### Overview

The Natural Observation Tower is located in Pape Natural Park, designed to serve both human visitors and local wildlife within a wetland context. The cylindrical structure emphasizes ecological coexistence, positioning itself as both an observation point and a habitat for various species. This design integrates aesthetic considerations with functionality, employing a form that resonates with natural plant structures while promoting the twin goals of environmental stewardship and user engagement.

### Spatial and Structural Strategy

Central to the design is a spiral pathway that connects three observation levels, encouraging wildlife viewership while providing panoramic sightlines of the surrounding landscape. Each floor features partial openings, allowing for natural ventilation and light penetration while facilitating navigation for both people and animals. The cylindrical form minimizes ecological disruption, as the foundation is designed with a minimal footprint to preserve existing flora and fauna. Strategic placement reinforces harmony with the wetland ecosystem, ensuring the structure's longevity and viability in terms of environmental impact.

### Material and Environmental Considerations

A carefully selected palette of materials underpins the project’s sustainability ethos. Reclaimed wood forms the primary structural components, contributing to durability and reducing the demand for new resources. Metal elements provide structural support while maintaining aesthetic coherence, and glass facades enhance transparency, facilitating interaction with the natural environment. Additionally, features such as integrated faux bird nests promote wildlife habitation and education. The overall material strategy emphasizes a design that can withstand local climatic conditions while minimizing the environmental footprint, reflecting a commitment to responsible architectural practices.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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