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Slatted Facades and Brass Accents Enhance Sustainable Birdwatching Tower Design

Authors:
JOANA OLIVEIRA, Giacomo MEZZADRI
Slatted Facades and Brass Accents Enhance Sustainable Birdwatching Tower Design

Project in-detail

With slatted wooden facades and anodized brass details, the structure provides a seamless blend of transparency and accessibility, aimed at enhancing the birdwatching experience within the surrounding wetlands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Observation levels designed to provide varied perspectives without disturbing local wildlife.
02
Slatted wooden facades promote natural ventilation while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Anodized brass handrails enhance durability and add an aesthetic contrast to wooden finishes.
04
Pathways ensure accessibility, allowing all visitors to engage evenly with the natural setting.
05
Integration with wetland features supports local biodiversity while facilitating educational experiences.
The Pape Bird Observation Tower is an architectural design project located in Pape Park, adjacent to a lakeside environment. The structure serves as a dedicated space for birdwatching, providing functionality through its thoughtful integration into the natural landscape. The tower is characterized by a three-level design that offers various vantage points for observing local avian life while facilitating an educational experience regarding local ecosystems.

A critical aspect of the project is its engagement with the surrounding environment. The materials chosen—steel square tubes for the structural framework, wooden planks for flooring and façade, and anodized brass for handrails—ensure durability while maintaining an aesthetic harmony with the park. The use of slatted wood provides a balance between openness and protection, allowing visitors to view wildlife while minimizing disturbance to the habitat.

The design promotes accessibility by incorporating pathways that lead to the tower, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can engage with the site. The lower observation deck encourages close interaction with the wetlands, while the upper levels elevate the viewing experience, providing an expansive overview of the landscape. Each observation area is deliberately designed, encouraging the user to immerse themselves in the natural setting.

A defining feature of the Pape Bird Observation Tower is its emphasis on transparency and lightness. This is evident through the striking interplay of light and shadow created by the slatted facades, which foster a connection between the interior space and the external environment. Visitors can engage with nature in a mindful, unobtrusive manner, thereby enriching their overall experience.

Sustainability is interwoven throughout the architectural design. The choice of materials not only caters to aesthetic needs but also aligns with ecological considerations. The structure's orientation and arrangement enhance its efficiency, reducing environmental impact while promoting awareness of conservation efforts.

This project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to integrating architectural design with natural elements, standing as an important addition to Pape Park. Those interested in learning more about the technical aspects of the Pape Bird Observation Tower can review the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas presented in the project documentation for further insights. Explore these elements to gain a deeper understanding of this thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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