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Spiral Observation Tower Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber and Steel Framework

Authors:
Ivan Bernal, Keyla Hernandez
Spiral Observation Tower Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber and Steel Framework
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Crafted from cross-laminated timber and supported by a steel framework, the spiral tower provides an elevated platform for birdwatching while seamlessly integrating into its natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with cross-laminated timber for superior structural efficiency.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and aesthetic depth.
03
The unique bent A-frame design optimizes elevation and sightlines.
04
Circular platforms enhance visitor engagement and observation variety.
05
Integrated bird-friendly features promote local avian habitation.

### Project Overview
The Pape Bird Observation Tower is situated in a natural landscape, designed to enhance visitor engagement with wildlife and the broader ecosystem. The tower serves a dual purpose: offering a vantage point for bird observation while fostering a deeper connection between visitors and their surroundings. The architectural approach reflects the interplay between a bird's nest and its environment, emphasizing safety and elevation within the design.

### Spatial Dynamics
The design features a winding approach that stimulates the senses and reflects the ascent akin to a bird climbing into its nest. As visitors ascend, they encounter varying perspectives, with each level providing distinct views of the environment. This design strategy supports diverse user experiences as visitors interact with the landscape and observe avian activities. The spiraling arrangement of platforms adds a dynamic quality, allowing the structure to transform with the observer's position.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The construction employs a combination of materials that reinforce the overall conceptual framework. A steel framework constitutes the primary structural element, enabling slender and lightweight construction that integrates well with the environment. Wooden platforms offer tactile warmth and serve as observation points, contrasting with the rigidity of the steel. Glass railings enhance visibility and safety, allowing unobstructed views of the landscape. The selection of materials and construction techniques align with sustainable practices, minimizing ecological impact while promoting local biodiversity through features tailored for bird habitation.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
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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