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 Wildlife Observation Tower Crafted from Glulam and Plywood in a Natural Wetland Environment

Authors:
Kawthar Mhammedi, Eunjin Choi, Casey Li
Elevated Wildlife Observation Tower Crafted from Glulam and Plywood in a Natural Wetland Environment
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed from glulam columns and plywood, the observation tower seamlessly integrates into its wetland surroundings, providing an elevated vantage point for wildlife observation while minimizing environmental impact.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with environmentally sourced glulam, enhancing structural performance.
02
Features an eighty-meter-long footbridge that minimizes ecological disruption.
03
Incorporates transparent safety barriers to maximize views and visibility.
04
Elevated design accommodates variable flood conditions in wetland areas.
05
Innovative use of mixed materials fosters a seamless connection with nature.

## Observation Tower at Pape National Park

The observation tower is situated within Pape National Park, a region renowned for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Designed as an entry point to the landscape, the structure facilitates ecological observation while enhancing visitors' connection to nature. The project seeks to harmonize the built environment with the surrounding ecology, employing thoughtful design principles that allow individuals to immerse themselves in the park’s unique ecosystem.

### Spatial Configuration

Characterized by its distinct verticality, the observation tower features slender glulam columns that echo the surrounding flora. The design promotes an ascending view of the landscape while incorporating a horizontal footbridge that facilitates movement without disrupting the delicate ecosystem below. Spanning approximately eighty meters, the footbridge offers visitors accessible observation points over wetlands and diverse grasses, enhancing the engagement with the environment as they navigate towards the tower.

### Material Selection

The structural integrity of the observation tower is reinforced through a carefully chosen material palette that emphasizes sustainability. Key materials include glulam for its strength and aesthetic warmth, plywood for platforms and stairways to promote a light visual aspect, and steel cables that not only ensure safety but also maintain an open appearance. Wooden decking on the footbridge and observation areas integrates the structure into its natural surroundings while reflecting considerations for durability and minimal maintenance under varying climate conditions. The overall material choices align with objectives for environmental harmony and resilience.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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 York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 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
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

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