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Elevated Walkway Constructed With Tempered Glass and Timber Cladding Overlooking Native Habitats

Authors:
Luca Gebhard, Pantea Rezvanipour
Elevated Walkway Constructed With Tempered Glass and Timber Cladding Overlooking Native Habitats

Project in-detail

Constructed with a gently sloped walkway of timber and large glass panels, this lakeside observation platform seamlessly integrates into its environment, offering an immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Features large tempered glass panes that provide unobstructed views while ensuring user safety.
03
Incorporates a gently sloped walkway that mimics the ascent of a bird in flight.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles as a protective and aesthetic cladding solution.
05
Surrounding landscape design includes native plant species to support local wildlife habitats.

The Bird's Walk is a contemporary architectural project designed to facilitate a unique interaction between users and the surrounding ecosystem. Located lakeside, the structure serves as a platform for bird observation, showcasing a seamless integration of natural elements with modern design. The design emphasizes sustainability and ecological awareness, making it an essential feature of its environment.

The primary function of the Bird's Walk is to provide an elevated viewing experience for individuals interested in observing local wildlife. The design incorporates various observation areas, including both indoor and outdoor platforms, to enhance the user experience throughout different seasons. Its layout allows visitors to engage with the landscape fully, fostering appreciation for biodiversity while promoting environmental stewardship.

Structural elements of the Bird's Walk feature a gently sloped walkway that guides users from ground level to an elevated platform, reminiscent of a bird's flight path. This intentional design encourages an immersive experience as visitors transition through different elevations, symbolizing the journey from earth to sky.

The architectural design integrates diverse materials, such as treated timber, glass, and steel, to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. Timber serves as the primary cladding and structural component, imparting warmth and a natural feel to the spaces. Large glass panels maximize visibility while protecting users from the elements. Additionally, steel is utilized for structural support, particularly crucial in elevated areas.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The structure's layout encourages interaction with the natural environment while adhering to principles of minimal environmental disruption. The landscape surrounding the Bird's Walk is deliberately designed to include native flora, enhancing habitat diversity and supporting local bird species. Signage throughout the site provides educational insights into local avifauna, further enriching the visitor experience.

Consideration of acoustics and sightlines is evident in the design, ensuring that users can engage with their surroundings without unnecessary distractions. Railing systems combine wood and glass to offer safety while maintaining unobstructed vistas of the landscape.

By advancing architectural integration with ecological principles, the Bird's Walk exemplifies how design can enrich human interactions with nature. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of this project, a more detailed presentation is available for exploration. Investigating these elements can provide additional context and understanding of the innovative architectural ideas embedded in the Bird's Walk.

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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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