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Skeletal Structure of Charred Wood and Glass Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Habitat

Author:
Krishna Rao
Skeletal Structure of Charred Wood and Glass Enhancing Avian Observation in Natural Habitat
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Constructed with a skeletal frame of charred wood and expansive glass, the observation hide serves as an unobtrusive vantage point for bird watchers, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape while enhancing environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural stability while enhancing aesthetics.
02
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance, integrating with the natural surroundings.
03
Features extensive glass panels to maximize natural light and eliminate visual barriers to the environment.
04
Incorporates anti-skid structural timber flooring to ensure safety in high-traffic observation areas.
05
Strategically elevated to minimize ecological footprint and provide diverse vantage points for bird watchers.

## Project Overview

Located within a diverse nature park in Latvia, the Doorbeen project, known as The Twitchers' Hide, is designed to enhance the bird-watching experience by providing structured observation points that interact harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The architectural intent centers on creating a contemplative atmosphere that encourages engagement with nature while addressing the needs of visitors.

### Spatial Dynamics and User Experience

The design concept is inspired by a giant binocular, promoting a dynamic and horizontal layout that guides users through a series of ascending vantage points. These gradual transitions are intended to optimize views of the landscape and wildlife, allowing for diverse perspectives and experiences. The layout incorporates distinct pathways that mimic natural bird movement, leading visitors through various observation areas and facilitating exploration.

### Materiality and Structural Design

The project employs a combination of timber, glass, and steel, creating a balance between warmth and modernity. Timber is used extensively, providing aesthetic visual appeal and structural integrity, while thick glass elements minimize barriers, enhancing connections with the outdoors. A skeletal framework clad in wooden slats allows diffused light to enter the structure and creates a visually striking façade that merges with the natural surroundings.

The architectural strategy includes strategic positioning to respect the site's topography, elevating the structure to reduce its ecological impact. This approach incorporates natural ventilation and aesthetic contributions from local flora, ensuring the building is energy-efficient and integrated within its environment. Observation decks at varying heights enhance the visitor experience by altering perceptions of the landscape and fostering a sense of discovery.

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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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