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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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