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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

Project in-detail

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.
The Pape Bird Observation Tower is an architectural project located in Latvia, designed to enhance human interaction with the natural habitat and offer an elevated viewpoint for observing local bird species. This structure facilitates both recreational and educational opportunities for visitors while encouraging a connection to nature through thoughtful architectural design.

The tower features a tiered layout that strategically raises viewing platforms to give visitors optimal perspectives of the surrounding wetlands. Its central circulation plan guides individuals through interconnected spaces, making it accessible while promoting engagement with the environment. The architecture emphasizes the natural elements, incorporating organic shapes inspired by forms found in nature, particularly hexagonal geometries reminiscent of beehives. This approach not only reflects the local ecosystem but also reinforces the building's integration into the landscape.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, with a core focus on using locally sourced materials. The primary construction materials include Norwegian spruce, known for its durability and weather resistance, and willow, which is used for creating habitat-supporting woven screens. Plywood is introduced in less exposed areas of the structure to maintain a lightweight composition. This commitment to materiality supports a reduced carbon footprint and promotes ecological balance in the area.

The design includes distinct elevations and openings that provide opportunities for both privacy and visual connection with the surroundings. Visitors can navigate through the observing levels, each designed for specific viewing experiences. The thoughtful arrangement of these levels enhances the experience of birdwatching and allows groups to move freely without interfering with each other.

Unique to this project is its dual role of providing a refuge for wildlife while serving as a public educational resource. The integration of interactive spaces within the tower invites educational programs and workshops, promoting awareness and understanding of the local fauna. The design nurtures biodiversity by incorporating elements that provide habitats, thus enhancing wildlife activity in the immediate vicinity.

This architectural project exemplifies innovative approaches in creating spaces that coexist with nature. The deliberate choice of materials, careful spatial organization, and design inspired by natural forms demonstrate a clear understanding of the landscape's ecological characteristics.

For more insights, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented in the project documentation to gain a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas and design principles employed in creating the Pape Bird Observation Tower.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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