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Woven Willow Screens and Norwegian Spruce Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Wetland Habitat

Author:
Fiona Demeur
Woven Willow Screens and Norwegian Spruce Elevate Birdwatching Experience in Wetland Habitat
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Constructed from Norwegian spruce and woven willow screens, the observation tower integrates with the wetland ecosystem to provide immersive birdwatching opportunities while fostering community engagement and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced Norwegian spruce, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features woven willow screens that promote local biodiversity.
03
Integrates a tiered viewing platform design tailored for optimal birdwatching.
04
Employs a bent A-frame structure to blend with the natural landscape.
05
Incorporates open circulation routes, encouraging community interaction and engagement.

### Project Overview

The Pape Bird Observation Tower is located in Latvia, strategically positioned to enhance interaction with the surrounding natural landscape while maintaining accessibility. The design integrates aspects of the local environment and architectural traditions, aiming to offer an engaging and educational experience for visitors interested in birdwatching and ecological observation.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction

The design features a tiered structure characterized by hexagonal forms, inspired by natural patterns such as those found in beehives. The central circulation system facilitates smooth visitor movement throughout the tower, allowing for an immersive experience that minimizes disturbance to local bird species. Multiple entry points ensure inclusivity and enhance visitor engagement with the observation activities. Each level of the structure provides varying panoramic views of the wetlands and habitats, enriching the birdwatching experience through thoughtful spatial arrangement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus of the design, with careful consideration given to material choices. Norwegian spruce is predominantly used for shingles, panels, beams, and columns due to its durability and climate resistance, making it suitable for outdoor applications. Willow is incorporated into habitat-friendly design elements such as woven screens, which contribute to the site's biodiversity. The use of plywood in less exposed areas reflects a balance between lightweight properties and workability. All materials are locally sourced to reduce the project's carbon footprint, aligning with ecological design principles and enhancing environmental stewardship.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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