Nérac Ponds Observatory

The Nérac bird observatory is situated on a levee between two reed-lined ponds, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Designed for the European Community of Alsace, it combines engineering and education, offering a unique space for observation and raising awareness of biodiversity. The idea for the project stems from a window opening onto nature: the roof lifts up, and the wooden structure recedes, revealing an unobstructed view of the ponds. Large pivoting shutters, resembling wings, adapt to the observers’ needs: when open, they provide the widest possible view; when closed, they allow for discreet observation through an openwork mesh of vegetation. The choice of local and bio-based materials reinforces this integration into the landscape: a wooden structure, reed siding, and a reed sub-roof. This observatory served as a testing ground, exploring the supply chains and expertise related to reeds in France through a prototyping phase focused on assembly systems.