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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
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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.

### Overview
The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located within Pape National Park, designed to enhance the interaction between visitors and the surrounding ecosystem while promoting ecological awareness. This structure functions as both an observation platform and a sanctuary, addressing the requirements of wildlife and the experience of human users alike.

### Spatial Strategy
The tower’s design integrates with the natural landscape, featuring a 360-degree observation platform that offers unobstructed views of the diverse flora and fauna. The elevated palafitte structure minimizes land disruption while enhancing visitor perspectives of local wildlife. This design encourages exploration and observation while ensuring that natural habitats remain undisturbed. Pathways linking the observation areas facilitate access for various user groups, including bird watchers, photographers, and tourists.

### Material Selection
The materials selected for the tower emphasize sustainability and visual harmony within the park's environment. The primary structure is composed of renewable wood, offering both aesthetic appeal and a reduced ecological footprint. Durable aluminum elements, utilized for masts and lighting, enhance the structure’s functionality without adding excess weight. Concrete foundations provide necessary stability, while strategically placed glass allows natural light and visibility, optimizing the observation experience for users while minimizing interference with the landscape.

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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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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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