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Golden Facade and Wooden Stilts in an Accessible Observation Tower

Author:
Young Kim
Golden Facade and Wooden Stilts in an Accessible Observation Tower
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A golden tower with cutouts of local wildlife rises above the ground on wooden stilts, providing an accessible observation deck that fosters educational engagement with the surrounding biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Golden facade features cutouts of local wildlife.
02
Elevated structure supported by slender wooden stilts.
03
Circular observation deck offers a 360-degree view.
04
Gently sloping ramp ensures accessibility for all.
05
Integrates a microcosm of native plant species.

Nest Above is an observation tower designed to blend in with its natural surroundings while offering an educational experience about local biodiversity. The tower is located at the end of a boardwalk in a nature reserve. Its design draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin tents and the lightness of flamingo wings. The structure has an elevated form that minimizes its impact on the environment while encouraging visitors to engage with the landscape.

Structural Design
The main structure of Nest Above is supported by thin wooden stilts that lift it above the ground. This design allows the tower to create a sense of lightness. By reducing contact with the ground, the building helps protect the ecological integrity of the site. The elevated form brings the design into harmony with its surroundings and illustrates a thoughtful approach to sustainability.

Accessibility Features
A key feature of the tower is its accessibility for all visitors. A gently sloping wooden ramp leads to the circular observation deck, ensuring that everyone can participate in the experience. This design choice opens the space to families and individuals with different mobility needs. It encourages visitors to explore the nature reserve and take part in the educational offerings.

Interactive Learning
The observation deck provides a panoramic view of the nature reserve, allowing visitors to take in the surrounding ecosystem. Information about local plants and animals is carefully etched onto glass railings. This design keeps the views clear while offering visitors a chance to learn about the environment. It enhances the educational purpose of the tower and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

Visual Aesthetic
A smaller golden tower stands out due to its unique cutouts of local wildlife. This secondary structure offers visitors an additional perspective from above. The golden facade contrasts beautifully with the colors of the landscape, creating a visual interest that ties the architecture to its environment. The overall design encourages exploration and discovery.

The thoughtful arrangement of the tower, with its play of light and space, invites visitors to engage with both the structure and the natural world. Sunlight reflects off the glass surfaces, adding a sense of movement and dynamism to the visitor experience.

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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.

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

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