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Zigzagging Wooden Ramps Create Accessible Observation Spaces in Natural Landscape

Author:
Tarcisio Antonio Da Silva
Zigzagging Wooden Ramps Create Accessible Observation Spaces in Natural Landscape
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Crafted from sustainable timber, the zigzagging ramps and observation platforms offer an accessible design that harmonizes with the natural landscape while facilitating immersive views of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with prefabricated wooden fittings for efficient assembly.
02
Incorporates natural landforms with a zigzagging ramp design for accessibility.
03
Features multiple observation platforms designed for panoramic views of the landscape.
04
Constructed primarily from sustainable materials, including cross-laminated timber.
05
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration.

### Project Overview

The Zig Zag Observation Tower is located in Kemeri National Park, Latvia, with the intent to enrich the visitor experience by offering unobstructed views of the diverse landscape while ensuring accessibility for individuals of varying mobility. The design prioritizes inclusivity and environmental harmony, creating an architectural structure that engages visitors in the exploration and appreciation of the park.

### Spatial Configuration

The tower features a volumetric layout comprising six ramps, five landings, and seven observation areas. This design facilitates a continuous and accessible pathway, allowing users to ascend gently while engaging with the surrounding marshland and forest. The zigzag arrangement, free from traditional steps, promotes leisurely exploration, making the structure suitable for all visitors.

### Material Selection and Construction

Wood is the primary material utilized in the construction of the Zig Zag Observation Tower, selected for both aesthetic and sustainable qualities. This renewable resource not only aligns with eco-friendly principles but also offers advantages such as lightness, facilitating efficient transportation and assembly in the park’s remote location. The construction employs wood fittings for prefabricated assembly, optimizing the building process while ensuring transparency with wooden slats that provide natural light diffusion throughout the structure.

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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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