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 with Cedar and Eco-Materials Nestled in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Sahil Saroy, Nicole Regier, Bianca Verwaayen, Stephanie Lima
Spiral Observation Tower Constructed with Cedar and Eco-Materials Nestled in a Natural Landscape
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with sustainable cedar and designed in a spiraled form, the observation tower offers elevated vantage points for wildlife enthusiasts to engage with the rich ecosystems of Pape National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced cedar to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a unique spiral staircase design that facilitates fluid movement between viewing levels.
03
Incorporates nesting spaces within the structure to support local avian species.
04
Utilizes recycled rubber tiles for flooring, enhancing sustainability and durability.
05
The open-roof design provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.

## Overview
Located in Pape National Park, Latvia, the Pape Bird Observation Tower serves as a facility for birdwatching and wildlife observation while emphasizing minimal environmental impact and community engagement. The design integrates with the natural landscape to foster an interactive experience for visitors while respecting the surrounding ecosystem.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout consists of a central spiral staircase, representing the trunk of a tree, which connects multiple viewing platforms that mimic the crown of a tree. This design encourages an elevated experience of the natural environment, providing 360-degree views of the park. The ground floor incorporates accessible pathways that lead to the tower, ensuring a smooth transition for all visitors. The open rooftop area enables unobstructed wildlife observation, allowing users to engage with the habitat directly.

## Material Selection
The tower employs a range of sustainable materials that balance functionality with environmental consciousness. An exposed wood structure enhances aesthetic appeal while offering nesting spaces for local birds. Cedar shake panels provide a durable, cost-effective solution that integrates with the surroundings, while plywood sheathing and recycled rubber tiles contribute to structural integrity and sustainability. Steel support elements ensure safety and stability throughout the design. This careful selection of materials not only strengthens the structure but also reinforces the commitment to ecological sensitivity.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
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
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