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Palafitte Structure With Charred Wood Shingles Enhancing Biodiversity Observation in Wetland Habitat

Authors:
Moritz Melchert, Armando Roman, Cruz Criollo, Santiago Olguin
Palafitte Structure With Charred Wood Shingles Enhancing Biodiversity Observation in Wetland Habitat

Project in-detail

A palafitte structure constructed with charred wooden shingles rises above the wetlands, providing an unobtrusive observation platform that fosters biodiversity and invites visitors to engage with the avian ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Palafitte design minimizes environmental impact by elevating the structure above wetland flora.
02
Niche installations within the tower support local bird nesting and habitation.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity while reducing carbon footprint.
04
Charred wooden shingles improve durability and provide fire resistance.
05
360-degree observation platform offers unobstructed views of diverse bird species.

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is an architectural project designed to foster interaction between visitors and the surrounding avian environment within Pape National Park. This structure serves a dual purpose: it is an observation platform for birdwatching and a habitat that encourages the nesting of local bird species. The design is rooted in ecological sensitivity and aims to provide an unobtrusive experience for both wildlife and human observers.

The architecture of the observation tower features a palafitte structure elevated above the wetland, minimizing its footprint on the natural landscape while allowing for expansive views of the diverse bird life. The incorporation of materials such as wood, aluminum, concrete, and glass illustrates a commitment to sustainability and harmony with the environment. Each material is carefully selected to serve specific functions while ensuring the structure's longevity and ecological integrity.

Innovative Structural Design What distinguishes the Pape Bird Observation Tower from other observation structures is its integration into the natural surroundings. The vertical design mimics the natural growth patterns of reeds and trees present in the wetland environment. This thoughtful articulation creates visual continuity with the landscape, effectively blending the man-made structure with its surroundings.

Additionally, the tower features nesting boxes and sheltered spaces specifically designed for local bird species. This design approach not only alleviates disturbance to wildlife but actively promotes biodiversity. Special attention was given to the observation platform, which offers 360-degree views, allowing visitors to engage dynamically with their environment.

Functionality and Accessibility The design prioritizes functionality, ensuring that visitors can easily access observation points without compromising the ecological balance of the area. Paths leading to the tower are designed to guide visitors seamlessly into the natural habitat, enhancing educational opportunities and promoting awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation.

Incorporating lighting elements extends usability into the evening, enabling nocturnal bird observation and heightening the overall experience of being in nature. The structure’s elevated position affords protection from flood conditions typical in wetlands, further underlining practical architectural considerations in its design.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Pape Bird Observation Tower, explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs available for review. This analysis provides only a glimpse into the thoughtful architectural ideas that define this project.

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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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