Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Spiral Observation Tower Constructed from Treated Pine and Concrete in an Ecological Wetland Environment

Authors:
Nuno Costa, Luís Guedes De Carvalho, Francisco Guedes De Carvalho, Maura Silva
Spiral Observation Tower Constructed from Treated Pine and Concrete in an Ecological Wetland Environment
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed from treated pine and anchored with concrete, the spiral observation tower rises above Pape’s Lake, offering 70 distinct viewpoints that facilitate ecological engagement and promote awareness of local biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with 40 treated pine poles, each 15 to 20 meters tall, providing structural stability.
02
The design features 70 distinct viewpoints, enhancing visitor interaction with the surrounding environment.
03
Anchored in concrete, the foundation is designed to accommodate the wetland's soil conditions.
04
Natural camouflage techniques visually merge the tower with the surrounding landscape, minimizing ecological disruption.
05
The spiral form encourages dynamic movement, allowing visitors to engage with the ecological context at varying heights.

### Overview

Pape's Spiral Tower is situated in the Pape’s Lake Natural Reserve, strategically positioned at the intersection of an ecological transition zone and an aquatic environment. The project aims to establish an observation point that enhances both the aesthetic experience and educational engagement with the surrounding ecosystem. This design considers the dynamic relationship between land and water, as well as the diverse flora and fauna present in the area.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The Spiral Tower features a distinctive spiral structure, comprising 70 steps that facilitate a range of perspectives and interactions with the environment. This design not only allows users to ascend and engage with varying heights but also invites exploration akin to the movements of local bird species. Each level of the tower offers 70 unique viewpoints, encouraging visitors to appreciate the ecological diversity of Pape’s Lake. The carefully crafted spiral staircase, designed to evoke a sense of ascending infinity, enhances the overall user experience by encouraging upward movement and exploration.

### Material Integrity and Ecological Considerations

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and ecological sensitivity. The tower is constructed from treated pine wood, chosen for its moisture resistance, which is essential for long-term structural integrity. The foundational elements utilize Class X30 concrete to ensure stability, complemented by metal reinforcements around the wood poles. Additionally, these materials are arranged in a manner that camouflages the structure within its natural setting, minimizing visual impact and supporting wildlife observation. The thoughtful integration of these elements underscores the project's aim to harmonize architectural design with ecological stewardship.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

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

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

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