Project labels
设计公司:Studio Puisto Architects
Location: Finland
Type: Architecture
Material: Timber concrete
Tags: Helsinki
Categories: Vacation Rentals Nature reserves
#一起上头条##头条创作挑战赛##爆料#
Take refuge in nature
Floating Bird Watching Lodge Piilokoju is a new addition to Helsinki's Vanhankaupunginlahti Nature Reserve, which continues the barrier-free outdoor routes designed and built by the previous Nattours project. Piilokoju is specially designed for observing waterfowl, which are extremely abundant in the Vanhankaupunginlahti area. From the depths of Piilokoju, the floating structure allows visitors to observe the birds up close without disturbing them. The design of the structure was carried out in collaboration with Helsinki's urban environment experts and bird lovers to maximise the use of form and construction while minimizing the impact on the surrounding natural environment. As a continuation of Nattours' accessible recreational paths, Piilokoju has been designed with accessibility in mind, as nature is often difficult to reach, especially for those with limited mobility.
▼ Bird's-eye view of the nature reserve
A key element of the design was to integrate into the landscape, achieve ecological sustainability and neutralize the color palette of different materials. The architect's aim was for the aviary to promote appreciation and learning about nature, rather than to draw attention to the building itself.
▼ A cabin that floats on the water
Birds in the area feed on the reed wetlands, so Piilokoju's location is ideal for bird watching. Visitors can hide in those tall reeds from the birds. Observers can see birds, but birds are not aware of human presence.
▼The boat dragged the hut forward
A larch structure that blends in with nature
The structure of Piilokoju is a platform floating on the water, a large wooden raft with a concrete pontoon. In order to preserve the precious natural environment of the Natura area, the bird-watching houses were built in advance in the opposite bay and then towed to their location.
▼ A platform that floats on the water
The walls, floors and ceilings of Piilokoju are made entirely of larch wood from Finland, using the same material as the Nattours Larch Hut, which is weather-resistant and becomes more beautiful over time. Some of these supporting structures are made of larch glulam aged with iron sulphate. The materials used, like the form of the building, blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment. Inside Piilokoju, light shines through the wooden planks, creating a peaceful and safe atmosphere.
▼ A hut hidden in the reeds
Everyone has equal access to nature
The core objective of the project across the Vanhankaupunginlahti region is to strengthen the connection between all people and nature. Like the Nattours route, Piilokoju is accessible to everyone. In addition to its physical accessibility, Piilokoju is designed to be a space that is open to everyone, not just bird lovers. The cottage can accommodate up to 40 people at a time, making it convenient for school classes to visit, etc. The adjacent waiting area accommodates the next group of people and ensures a smooth flow of people.
▼ Bird watching hut
▼ Inside the hut
To make the journey to Piilokoju as easy and convenient as possible, the road also includes areas where you can safely overtake others. In order to minimize the damage to the precious natural environment around it, the construction work on the construction site was mainly carried out using traditional manual methods. For example, the support columns for barrier-free access are hammered into place with hand tools.
▼ A reed path leading to the hut
Co-designed to meet the needs of bird lovers
In addition to working with conservation experts, the architects are also actively working with bird lovers to ensure that the birding lodge also meets their needs. The shape and openings of the building have been optimized to meet the needs of large groups, and even those sitting in the front can see the outside view from the back of the hideout. The height of the interior is just right for people's needs, and the sloping roof gradually slopes to the ends to naturally blend into the surrounding environment. The furniture fixed in the interior has also been optimized for bird observation and photographing. Thanks to the carefully designed openings in the glass surface that prevent distracting reflections, one can observe and photograph the birds, whether standing or sitting, or even lying on the floor at level with the water level.
▼The ground is at the same level as the outdoor level
The main direction of bird observation is to the northwest where the mudflats are located. Piilokoju also has openings to the northeast and east to observe the sea eagle nests on Loppi Island and the birds in Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay. The benches at the back of the cottage provide space to relax and enjoy the tranquility. The Vanhankaupunginlahti project continues, and the next step will be the bird-watching platform designed at Hakalanniemi on the opposite bank, which will be completed in the fall of 2023.
▼ Bird observation from the hut
Circular construction
Building for nature doesn't just mean thinking about the here and now, it encompasses the entire life cycle of a building. Piilokoju is designed with the following three elements in mind:
▼ Bird observation from the hut
hideout
The building is built from local large-gauge larch timber, which is very durable and acts as a large carbon sink. The hideout has positive carbon emissions, and only a very small number of components have high embodied carbon levels. Thanks to the use of large-sized timber, these wooden components can be more easily repurposed in future developments.
▼Larch wood from the local is used
A concrete pontoon that floats the structure on the water
The floating design allows the building to be built off-site as little as possible to disturb wildlife activities and then be moved onto the site. Since the building floats on a pontoon bridge, there is no need to leave foundations on site at the end of the building's life. If the building needs maintenance, it can also be sent to the convenient port, which minimizes the transportation in the nature reserve. The concrete in the pontoons used in the project contains a certain amount of carbon, but these pontoons have standard sizes that can be reused for piers or trestles in the future.
▼ Wood details
The trail to the cottage
Like a hidden hut, the trail is also made from local large-gauge larch wood. The 1-kilometre-long wooden road is durable, easy to maintain, easy to recycle, and a large carbon sink.
▼ Winter cottage
▼ Floor plan
▼Elevation
▼ Sectional view
▼Detail