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Rammed Earth Columns and Timber Platforms Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Wetland Environment

Authors:
Alex Eldrick Dandan, John Benedict Fallorina, Princess Celyne Ng, Ivan Dexter Panaligan
Rammed Earth Columns and Timber Platforms Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Wetland Environment
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Elevated timber platforms connect seamlessly with rammed earth columns, creating a sustainable observation tower that enhances birdwatching in Latvia’s unique wetland ecosystem.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platforms provide multiple vantage points for birdwatching without disturbing wildlife.
02
Rammed earth columns integrate natural materials for structural stability and environmental sensitivity.
03
Local craftsmanship is emphasized through traditional joinery techniques in timber construction.
04
The design harmonizes with the wetland ecosystem, enhancing visitor engagement with nature.
05
Stepped pathways facilitate an immersive experience within the unique landscape of Latvia.

### Project Overview

The Levitaur Bird Observation Tower is situated near Pape, Latvia, an area renowned for its natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. The tower is designed as an observation point to facilitate engagement with the local bird population while maintaining a strong alignment with its surroundings. The architectural intent focuses on creating a structure that enhances users' experiences of the ecology without imposing visually on the landscape.

### Spatial Dynamics

The design features elevated platforms that replicate natural landforms, offering expansive views of the surrounding wetlands and sky, effectively supporting birdwatching activities. The layout of ascending and descending pathways encourages exploration and provides varied vantage points for visitors. Strategically placed seating areas enhance the user experience, allowing the public to pause and enjoy the sights and sounds of the avian habitat.

### Material Application and Environmental Integration

The choice of materials emphasizes local traditions and ecological sustainability. The primary structure utilizes wood, constructed using traditional Latvian joinery techniques, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. Supporting columns made of rammed earth contribute to the structural integrity while blending with the terrain, thus minimizing visual disruption. Furthermore, the elevated design prevents interference with wildlife movement, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between architecture and its natural context. The careful selection of materials and construction approaches underscores a commitment to ecological sensitivity, reducing the tower's overall environmental footprint and enhancing its contextual relevance.

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

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Competition organisers

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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