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Sloped Deck Crafted from Warm Wood Cladding and Painted Steel for Immersive Wildlife Observation

Author:
Tony Leung
Sloped Deck Crafted from Warm Wood Cladding and Painted Steel for Immersive Wildlife Observation
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Elevated above the landscape, a sloped deck of warm wood cladding and painted steel provides an unobtrusive platform for birdwatching, seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings while prioritizing accessibility for all visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The deck features a sloped ramp designed for full accessibility, accommodating all visitors.
02
Constructed primarily of warm wood cladding, the design harmonizes with the surrounding environment.
03
High walls around the deck create an enclosed observation area while minimizing wildlife disturbance.
04
Integrated top-hung folding panels allow users to control visibility and privacy during observation.
05
The project incorporates local cultural symbolism, drawing inspiration from a Latvian grain stalk.

### Overview
Located in an unspoiled natural landscape, the "Jumis" project is a dedicated birdwatching deck that merges functionality with environmental sensitivity. Its design draws inspiration from the double spiked stalk of grain, a symbol of fertility and prosperity, reflecting a commitment to harmonizing with the ecosystem while enhancing the visitor experience.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout is centered around providing an immersive birdwatching experience while minimizing human impact on wildlife. A gradually ascending form creates a sheltered pathway, allowing for unobtrusive observation of the surroundings. As visitors ascend the structure, high walls enhance privacy and decrease disturbances to the natural habitat, resulting in an enveloping sensation.

The configuration includes two distinct viewing areas, promoting visibility and interaction. Top-hung folding panels afford users the ability to control their exposure to the environment, adapting to changing conditions without compromising comfort. Integrated folding desktops offer functional space for social interaction, enriching the observation experience.

### Materiality and Structural Approach
Constructed primarily from 30mm thick wood cladding, the deck achieves a warm, natural aesthetic in alignment with the surrounding landscape. A painted steel frame provides structural resilience, supporting the lightweight design while allowing for unobstructed views.

The ramp's sloped geometry not only meets accessibility standards but also symbolizes a connection to the environment. This calculated interplay of materials and form fosters a seamless transition from the ground to an elevated vantage point, reinforcing the structure's purpose as an interactive observation platform.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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