Precedents Studies
Murturm Nature Observation Tower
http://architecturelinked.com/profiles/blogs/murturm-nature-observation
The Murturm Observation Tower was constructed in Austria, by the river Mur in March 2013. It was designed by terrain: loenhart and mayr.
It has 2 spiralling staircases which emphasises a continuous journey from the ground to the top and back again.
As well as providing beautiful views it is also used for scientific monitoring of the ecological restoration of the river.
It has 2 spiralling staircases which emphasises a continuous journey from the ground to the top and back again.
As well as providing beautiful views it is also used for scientific monitoring of the ecological restoration of the river.
Wind Observation Tower
http://www.michaeljantzen.com/Wind_Observation_Tower.html#2
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/energie/the-wind-tunnel-foot-bridge-by-michael-jantzen.html
http://www.stichtingmilieunet.nl/andersbekekenblog/energie/the-wind-tunnel-foot-bridge-by-michael-jantzen.html
- The Wind Observation Tower was designed by Michael Jantzen
- Conceptual Design, made from aluminium and steel
- As the wind blows it is caught in the fins and as these segments move they generate electricity which is stored in batteries, which are then used to illuminate the entire structure at night.
- There would be a spiral staircase or elevator to allow visitors to walk up and down.
- The landscape can be viewed at different heights by the occupants from each viewing platform, the landscape is visually broken up depending on the speed of the wind.
Lookout Tower
http://coolboom.net/architecture/lookout-tower-by-avanto-architects/
- The Lookout Tower was designed by Avanto Architects.
- It was built on a cliff of the Korkaesaan Island and overlooks the city of Helsinki.
- The building was inspired by its natural setting and follows existing low stone walls and skirts around a small birch grove.
- The load bearing grid shell structure consists of 72 battens, over 600 joints are used to hold the shell structure together.
Bird Observation Tower
http://www.archello.com/en/project/bird-observation-tower#
http://www.chi-athenaeum.org/intarch/2008/birdobservtower.html
http://www.chi-athenaeum.org/intarch/2008/birdobservtower.html
- The bird observation tower was designed by Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects
- The construction is made of Siberian larch which blends in well with the surrounding natural environment.
- The beams and ledgers with diagonal bracing depict a stylized figure of a sitting bird.
- A two-flight staircase provides access to the 15-meter high tower, which, with its glassed-in observation station, is easily able to accommodate large groups of visitors.
Wyre Observation Tower
http://www.studio-three.co.uk/project_full.php?id=108
http://www.wyre.gov.uk/news/article/385/rossall_point_observation_tower_begins_to_take_shape
http://www.wyre.gov.uk/news/article/385/rossall_point_observation_tower_begins_to_take_shape
- The Wyre Observation Tower was designed by Studio Three Architects.
- The design is supposed to look like it is leaning into the wind.
- The building will act as a beacon and a destination along Wyre's seafront.
- The interior of the building will feature interpretation and artwork that reflects the natural environment of the coastal area.
Boxy Wooden Treehouse
http://inhabitat.com/boxy-wooden-treehouse-tower-now-open-in-netherlands/
- Designed by Ateliereen Architecten
- Natural cladding, made out of half logs from the area surrounding it, allows it to blend in which its natural surroundings.
- People can scale its facade, through rock climbing style, check out the views or use its rope slide and high rope track
- The wooden tower is supported by a steel skeleton with staircases going up between and across the cubes. Only two of the six cubes are accesible
Emergency Housing
Bamboo Dome
http://inhabitat.com/iranian-architect-builds-sustainable-bamboo-dome-from-bamboo-and-dry-rice-plants/
- Designed by Pouya Khazaeli Parsa
- Made from fast-growing bamboo, covered in dry rice plants
- Bio-degradable, economical, made from natural local materials, shelter can be put up quickly
- The dome's bamboo structure is finished with dry rice plants that are found locally and are bio-degradable and weatherproof. When it rains, the plants expand, which keeps the shelter dry. Also, when it is sunny, breezes can blow through the plants to provide a natural cooling and ventilation system.
- Because of the dome's shape they can be resistant to wind and earthquakes, which makes them a cost effective emergency shelter.
3D Puzzle Emergency Shelter
http://inhabitat.com/bvn-architecture-creates-a-3d-puzzle-emergency-shelter-for-a-melbourne-exhibition/
- Designed by BVN Architecture
- Fits together like a 3D puzzle
- Made from materials that are likely to be available immediately after a disaster
- BVN wanted to create a shelter that provided necessary protection from the elements, along with an inspiring shelter that provides an element of joy
- The shelter is designed to be wrapped in a plastic sheeting to protect its interior from rain, sun and wind etc..
Small Timber Architecture
Small House by Unemori Architects
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/21/small-house-by-unemori-architects/
- Unemori Architects have cladded the entire exterior with timber boards, then added matching shutters across the large windows
- Unemori positioned windows to offer the best views of the building's surroundings. He is quoted saying 'The window is so big against the small rooms that every time a window opens or closes the view inside dramatically changes'.
- The architects use single layers of timber to construct floors, which match the furniture, surfaces and cupboards in the dining room and kitchen.
Final Wooden House by Sou Fujimoto Architects
http://www.archdaily.com/7638/final-wooden-house-sou-fujimoto/
- There are no seperations of floor,wall and ceiling here
- A place that can be thought as a floor becomes a chair, a ceiling, or a wall from various positions
- This bungalow no longer fits the category of wooden architecture. If wooden architecture is something made from wood, then wood itself surpasses the architectural procedures to directly become a "place where people live" in this bungalow
- Rather than just a new architecture, this is a new origin, or a new existence
The MILU Pavilion by Rintala Eggertsson Architects
http://inhabitat.com/rintala-eggertssons-milu-is-sculptural-wooden-pavilion-made-from-locally-sourced-timber/rintala-eggertsson-wooden-sculpture-milu-2/?extend=1
http://www.clairepotterdesign.com/theecospot/2013/03/05/beautiful-temporary-wooden-architecture/
http://www.clairepotterdesign.com/theecospot/2013/03/05/beautiful-temporary-wooden-architecture/
- The internal space was stepped to create integrated seating within the structure itself and came complete with a fire pit in the centre, to create a cozy and formal meeting place
- The use of timber in this way creates a structural form with no visual interruption
- Using timber in this way, creates internal lighting effects as the walls are slatted
Site Research and Observations
From this site visit and research, it allowed me to see where the trees were and other buildings such as the Chinese Bell tower etc. This allowed me to make a decision on where I was going to locate my bird observation tower.
Further Site Research and Location
From my site analysis, I decided to locate my bird observation tower on the island in the pond next to the avery. The reason I chose to locate my site on this island is because I wanted to create a place where young kids could interact with the ducks on the pond. I wanted my observation tower to appeal to both the mature and younger generation. The idea of feeding the ducks combines the adults taking their children to the ducks as well as the observation tower being there so the adults can appreciate the other birds in the site.
Duck Research
- Ducks begin to pair up in October and November
- Begin to nest in March
- Nest near water
- Nest in covered vegetation, or in a natural hole in a tree
- Many females nest well away from the pond to avoid competition and harassment from others
- To encourage nesting, vegetation can be used so the ducks can conceal their nest
The ducks which inhabit the Arboretum are Common Mallards
Duck Boxes
Duck boxes provide an excellent opportunity for anyone to become involved in wildlife management. By building nest boxes, individuals can gain an insight into the interesting aspects of duck nesting and reproduction, while helping to boost local populations.
- All nesting boxes should be secured to protect the ducks nest and young from predators
- The most effective way to protect against predators is to install a predator guard on the pole supporting the box
- Predator guards can be made from sheet metal which makes them most effective
http://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-biology/wood-duck-boxes