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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
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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.

### Project Overview
The Bird's Walk is located on a lakeside site that serves as an observation platform for wildlife enthusiasts. The structure integrates with its natural surroundings to enhance human interaction with avian life, reflecting a commitment to environmental awareness and user-centric design. Through careful architectural planning, the design offers a variety of experiences that facilitate an appreciation for nature.

### Spatial Organization
The design includes two primary observation platforms, an indoor space and an outdoor balcony, which provide year-round opportunities for bird watching. The main walkway features a gentle slope that simulates the ascent of a bird, guiding users through a sensory experience of their environment. Architectural elements are thoughtfully incorporated to emulate the form of bird wings, enhancing the organic aesthetic of the structure. The landscaping utilizes native flora to attract local bird species, supporting ecological stewardship and fostering a connection between the built form and its natural context. Informative signage is integrated throughout the site to educate visitors about local birdlife and promote environmental engagement.

### Material Choices
The materials selected for the Bird's Walk emphasize sustainability and structural integrity. Treated timber is used extensively for walkways, railings, and the outer cladding, providing a natural aesthetic. Large tempered glass panels in observation areas enhance visibility while ensuring safety, and structural steel frames provide stability for elevated sections. Railing systems combine wood and glass to maintain safe, unobstructed views. Helical screw piles minimize environmental impact while offering a solid foundation, and strategically designed wooden shading devices improve user comfort by controlling heat exposure during warmer months.

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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.

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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