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The elevated boardwalk providing an accessible timber observation structure

Author:
Chris Wong
The elevated boardwalk providing an accessible timber observation structure
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Set within the natural environment of Ķemeri, Latvia, the design explores ways to enhance visitor engagement with diverse ecosystems. The proposal examines how material choices and spatial organization can support long-term durability while maintaining a sensitive relationship with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Network of boardwalks enhances accessibility in nature.
02
Elevated observation deck offers panoramic landscape views.
03
Gradual ascent enhances visual connection with surroundings.
04
Integrated rest areas encourage wildlife observation and reflection.
05
Accoya timber provides durability in exposed environmental conditions.

Set within the wilderness of Ķemeri, Latvia, this proposal envisions a network of boardwalks that guide visitors through the area’s distinctive scrubland, forests, and bogs. The intent is to provide an accessible framework for experiencing the natural landscape, encouraging observation of its varied ecosystems while ensuring inclusivity for all users. Site B has been selected for its proximity to diverse ecological features, allowing visitors to engage with multiple habitats within a single route.

Spatial Strategy and Observation Deck
The design organizes circulation through gently sloping boardwalks that accommodate both ambulant and wheelchair users. At its core, an elevated observation deck rises above the tree canopy, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Approaching the deck becomes part of the experience, as the gradual ascent builds anticipation and expands visual connection with the environment. Along the pathways, rest areas are integrated to encourage moments of pause, reflection, and close observation of wildlife.

Materiality and Environmental Considerations
Durable materials are prioritized to ensure long-term performance in the exposed setting. Accoya structural glulam timber, selected for its resistance to rot and dimensional stability, forms the primary structure, while welded steel balustrades finished in a muted red provide resilience against climatic conditions. Together, these choices balance functional demands with a subdued material palette, supporting a design approach that emphasizes continuity with the surrounding landscape.

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

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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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