Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Trellis-Structured Observation Hub Crafted from Wood and Concrete Materials in the Heart of Wetlands

Authors:
BEDİRHAN KOÇ, ŞEVVAL SAYIN, ŞÜKRAN YEDİKARDEŞ
Trellis-Structured Observation Hub Crafted from Wood and Concrete Materials in the Heart of Wetlands

Project in-detail

Crafted with a trellis-structured design and a blend of wood and concrete materials, this observation hub provides an immersive experience for birdwatchers in the scenic wetlands of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facility features a trellis design that harmonizes with the surrounding environment while providing structural support.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels were chosen for their strength and sustainability, enhancing the building's eco-friendly profile.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a visually appealing façade while offering protection against weather elements.
04
An elevated viewing platform allows for unobstructed sightlines into the adjacent wetland for optimal birdwatching experiences.
05
Pathways designed with natural materials encourage direct interaction with the surrounding ecosystem, promoting environmental education.
The architectural design project in Pape, Latvia, focuses on a birdwatching facility that captures the essence of its surrounding environment while serving as a hub for ecological engagement and appreciation. This project reflects a thoughtful approach to architecture, integrating functionality with a deep respect for the local landscape and its avian inhabitants. The primary intention of the structure is to provide a space where visitors can observe birds in their natural habitat, turning passive observation into an educational experience that fosters a greater appreciation for biodiversity.

The design features a modular form characterized by elevated viewing platforms that extend above the marsh vegetation. This elevation not only grants visitors unobstructed views of the birds but also allows them to experience the wetland ecosystem from a novel perspective. The architectural layout utilizes a combination of ground, first, and second floors, each equipped with strategically placed openings that encourage visual continuity with the outside environment. The use of wood as the primary material creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that aligns with the natural setting. Specific choices, such as Wood Ginder and Stronboard, lend structural integrity while enhancing the aesthetic quality of the facility. The concrete elements provide necessary support without disrupting the visual connection with nature.

In designing this facility, attention to detail is evident in the incorporation of trellis-like elements throughout the façade. This design choice not only contributes to the structure's strength but also serves to blend it harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, mimicking the patterns found in local flora. Furthermore, the project reflects an ongoing commitment to sustainability, with materials selected for their ecological compatibility and minimal environmental impact. The overall design facilitates responsible tourism, inviting visitors to engage meaningfully with the habitat while promoting conservation efforts.

One of the unique aspects of this architectural project is its deliberate focus on the visitor experience. It goes beyond mere observation by offering educational displays and interactive elements that inform the public about local bird species and their ecological role. The thoughtful integration of natural pathways leading from the facility into the wetlands encourages direct interaction with the environment, making the experience of birdwatching more immersive. Additionally, the focus on sensory engagement—enhancing sounds, sights, and tactile interactions with the landscape—adds another layer of consideration to the design.

This project stands as a reflection of architectural practices that prioritize ecological harmony and user experience. The birdwatching facility in Pape serves not only as a point of observation but also as a space for learning and community engagement, thereby fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. The culmination of these architectural ideas offers visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature while considering the broader ecological implications of their presence.

To explore the full potential of this project, including its architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of this remarkable facility, uncovering the nuances and thoughtful details that constitute its architectural identity and purpose.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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