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Timber Verticality and Steel Grating Create an Immersive Birdwatching Sanctuary

Author:
Francisco Molina
Timber Verticality and Steel Grating Create an Immersive Birdwatching Sanctuary
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Utilizing timber verticality and steel grating, the observatory seamlessly integrates into the grassland habitat, enhancing the birdwatching experience while promoting ecological sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber verticality integrates with the landscape, enhancing the visual connection to the grassland.
02
The design features a zigzag ramp that creates a gradual entry into the observation space.
03
Steel grating flooring allows for minimal material use while providing durability and unobstructed views.
04
The structure adapts to varying weather conditions, ensuring usability throughout the year.
05
Natural materials are chosen to promote ecological sensitivity and camouflage within the environment.

### Project Overview
The Grassland Tower is situated adjacent to a bird sanctuary, offering an architectural solution that enhances human interaction with the surrounding natural environment. The design integrates an observatory that prioritizes bird watching while minimizing disruption to local wildlife. The primary intent is to serve as an entry point into the natural landscape, facilitating immersion and observation in a manner that respects the ecosystem.

### Spatial Navigation
A key feature of the design is a zigzag ramp that guides visitors towards the observation tower, intentionally creating a gradual experience that builds anticipation. This pathway encourages users to engage with the terrain, progressively revealing panoramic views of the grasslands. The ramp serves not only as a physical connection but also as an experiential journey that heightens awareness of the site's ecological context.

### Material Integration
The selection of materials in Grassland Tower emphasizes both functionality and environmental harmony. Natural timber is utilized for the vertical support structures, achieving a cohesive visual alignment with the surrounding flora. Steel grating is integrated into the flooring, providing durability while minimizing visual disruption. Concrete elements are employed for the foundation, ensuring structural stability in varying weather conditions. This careful materiality reinforces the observatory's connection to its environment while maintaining durability and aesthetic integrity.

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

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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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