Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Reclaimed Wood and Weather-Resistant Canvas Elevate a Bird Observation Tower in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Carlos Bravo, Oscar Herrera, Tulio Sandoval
Reclaimed Wood and Weather-Resistant Canvas Elevate a Bird Observation Tower in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Crafted from reclaimed wood and enveloped in weather-resistant canvas, the bird observation tower seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings while providing elevated views for wildlife enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with reclaimed wood to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates weather-resistant canvas to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a spiral ascent design, offering uninterrupted views at multiple heights.
04
Utilizes aluminum mesh panels for safety while resembling bird wings.
05
Strategically positioned to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Pape Nature Park.

## Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is situated in Pape Nature Park, Latvia, an area renowned for its rich avian diversity. Designed to enhance the visitor experience while remaining sensitive to the local ecology, the structure provides panoramic views of the landscape and wildlife. Its conceptual roots draw inspiration from the form and function of a bird’s nest, symbolizing safety, observation, and a connection to natural surroundings. The tower features three observation platforms at varying heights, each strategically positioned to offer unique perspectives and encourage engagement with the environment.

## Architectural Elements and Materiality

The tower's base structure utilizes reclaimed wood strands sourced locally, forming an intricate mesh that evokes the appearance of a bird's nest. An aluminum frame provides stability while maintaining a lightweight presence. Surrounding this base is a weather-resistant canvas shroud that enhances the organic aesthetic and provides protective function. The intermediate landings incorporate aluminum mesh panels designed to mimic bird wings, ensuring safety in adverse weather conditions.

Access to the observation platforms is facilitated by a centrally located staircase with aluminum railings and reclaimed wood steps, promoting ease of movement. The design emphasizes sustainability by prioritizing locally sourced materials, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Through these thoughtful material choices and structural innovations, the tower not only serves as an observation point but also as an educational resource, promoting awareness of local wildlife conservation efforts.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy