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Transparent Steel and Wood Structure Embracing Marshland Views

Authors:
Nima Nian, Mohammad Beiglari
Transparent Steel and Wood Structure Embracing Marshland Views
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A transparent structure of steel and wood rises above Latvia's marshlands, offering expansive views while serving as an observation tower that fosters engagement with the surrounding biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features extensive use of glass to create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
02
It incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
03
The project includes four strategically placed lookout points for diverse views of local wildlife.
04
Innovative pathways integrate wood elements, enhancing visitor experience while promoting accessibility.
05
The bent A-frame design contributes to its stability while minimizing visual impact on the marshlands.

### Overview
The observation tower at Pape Nature Park, located in Latvia, aims to create a site for engagement with the surrounding ecology, focusing on the interaction between visitors and nature. The design integrates with the park's diverse ecosystem, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of its natural features while providing a contemplative space for users.

### Spatial Configuration
The observation tower is designed as a transparent structure composed of vertical and horizontal elements, centered around a primary observation point. This focal design leads visitors through the space, with strategically placed lookout points offering panoramic views of the park's landscape. Natural pathways enhance movement around the tower, promoting exploration. Niche areas, including a resting pod room, provide tranquil retreats, encouraging visitors to pause and engage with the environment. This organization fosters mindfulness and an active connection to the surrounding nature.

### Material Selection
The project emphasizes sustainable material choices that harmonize with the natural context. Utilized materials include:
- **Glass:** Extensively used to enhance transparency and connectivity with the environment.
- **Steel:** Provides structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight profile.
- **Wood:** Incorporated in pathways and resting areas for warmth and tactile experience.
- **Concrete:** Utilized for foundational support, ensuring durability.

This material palette not only strengthens the visual coherence of the structure with its landscape but also minimizes the ecological footprint, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

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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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