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Elevated Observation Platform Crafted from Steel and Timber Panels Overlooking Wetlands

Authors:
David Cabo, Fabian Reiner
Elevated Observation Platform Crafted from Steel and Timber Panels Overlooking Wetlands

Project in-detail

An elevated steel and timber platform designed for optimal birdwatching integrates seamlessly with the wetland environment, providing an unobtrusive vantage point for nature observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platform design enhances wildlife viewing without disrupting habitats.
02
Steel frame construction allows for minimal foundation impact on the wetland.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer increased durability and resistance to weathering.
05
Modular construction techniques enable adaptability for future maintenance and modifications.

The Birdwatchers Nest is an architectural project designed as a multifunctional observation platform situated within a wetland environment. This structure serves the dual purpose of providing a designated area for birdwatching while promoting ecological sensitivity. Its design reflects a commitment to integrating human activity with the natural landscape, creating a functional space that minimizes disruption to the ecosystem while encouraging public engagement with avian life.

The project stands out due to its elevated design, which enhances viewing opportunities for visitors. The structure’s tall, slender profile draws inspiration from natural perches, allowing for panoramic views without interfering with bird habitats. This elevated platform offers birdwatchers a vantage point to appreciate the diverse wildlife and the surrounding environment more effectively. The careful interplay of materials used in the project, including steel, wood, glass, and concrete, reinforces the architectural identity while maintaining an environmentally conscious approach.

Innovative Structural Design and Materials

One of the most distinctive features of the Birdwatchers Nest is its structural system that combines strength and aesthetic appeal. The primary frame is constructed of steel, providing the necessary support and stability in a sensitive ecological context. The addition of wood cladding allows the structure to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, effectively reducing visual disruption. Glass panelling employed in key locations maximizes visibility and safety for users, enhancing the experience of observing wildlife. The concrete foundation adds durability, ensuring the longevity of the structure in wet conditions.

Accessibility is a significant consideration in the design, with a central spiral staircase providing safe and efficient circulation. The staircase encourages visitor engagement while maintaining space for observation. The design further incorporates modular construction techniques, allowing for minimal environmental impact during installation. This thoughtful approach reinforces the project's objective of creating a respectful interaction between human observers and the natural habitat.

Enhanced User Experience through Form and Function

This project prioritizes user experience by creating adaptable spaces that cater to both individual and group observations. The layout facilitates movement, providing dedicated areas for quiet observation alongside more communal spaces. This balance allows diverse birdwatching experiences while promoting a shared appreciation for the environment.

Unique design elements, such as the use of tension cables, evoke natural forms and create a visual lightness that reflects the ethereal qualities of birdlife. This design not only serves structural purposes but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, making the structure a distinct landmark within the wetland.

The Birdwatchers Nest demonstrates a thoughtful integration of architectural principles with environmental considerations. The elevated platform, carefully selected materials, and user-centered design approaches work together to foster a deeper interaction with the natural world.

Explore the project presentation for detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that define the Birdwatchers Nest. This project serves as a model for future designs that thoughtfully respond to environmental contexts while engaging the public in meaningful ways.

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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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