Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Observation Tower Constructed from Treated Wood and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Overlooking Pape Nature Park

Author:
Matthieu Rapin
Elevated Observation Tower Constructed from Treated Wood and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Overlooking Pape Nature Park
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed from treated wood and cross-laminated timber panels, the elevated observation tower offers panoramic views of the diverse ecosystem in Pape Nature Park, providing a unique vantage point for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from locally sourced treated wood, enhancing environmental sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and lightweight design.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes views while minimizing material usage.
05
Strategically positioned to offer direct sightlines into key avian habitats in the park.

## Analytical Report on the Birdhouse Architectural Design Project

### Project Overview

Located within Pape Nature Park in South-West Latvia, the design is situated in a designated wetland ecosystem, crucial for numerous bird species, and serves as both a habitat and a migratory stopover. The project comprises a birdhouse that functions as an observation tower, facilitating human engagement with the natural environment while supporting bird nesting and observation. The structure is positioned to rise above the flat landscapes of the park, promoting interaction between visitors and wildlife.

### Architectural Design Elements

#### Form and Spatial Strategy

The dual-functional design incorporates a bird nesting area along with a viewing platform, reflecting a commitment to blending human activities with wildlife needs. Elevated to provide panoramic views of adjacent bogs, meadows, and lakes, the structure enhances the bird-watching experience. Its circular and rectangular openings optimize sightlines for visitors, contributing to the aesthetic character of the design while symbolizing a connection to the environment. Access is facilitated by a staircase, ensuring a smooth transition between the various levels, from the ground to the observation area.

#### Material Selection and Sustainability

Careful consideration has been given to materiality to ensure alignment with ecological principles. The primary construction material is treated wood, chosen for its natural appearance and environmental benefits. The characteristic red hue mirrors traditional rural architecture in the region, creating visual harmony with the natural surroundings. A sloped metal roof adds durability and resistance to weather elements, further supporting the structure's longevity. Additionally, protective weather-resistant treatments have been applied to maintain the integrity of the wooden components against the elements.

### Environmental Context and Visitor Engagement

Strategically positioned near the park's central lake, the tower enhances the observation of local waterfowl and their habitats. This integration underscores the ecological intent of the design, promoting awareness of conservation among visitors. The elevated platform offers a distinct vantage point that enriches the visitor experience, encouraging appreciation for the unique wetland ecosystem. The project not only fosters a dialogue between visitors and wildlife but also reinforces regional architectural identity through its careful material and form choices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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

`
Competition organisers

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy