Nérac Ponds Observatory

The Nérac Bird Observatory is situated on a dike between two reed-lined ponds, blending perfectly into the landscape. Designed for the European Community of Alsace, it combines engineering and education, offering a unique space for observation and raising awareness about biodiversity. The idea for the project stemmed from a window opening onto nature: the roof lifts up, and the wooden structure steps back, revealing an unobstructed view of the ponds. Large pivoting shutters, resembling wings, adapt to the observers’ needs: when open, they provide a maximized field of view; when closed, they allow for discreet observation through an openwork screen of vegetation. The choice of local, 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 reed industry and related expertise in France through a prototyping phase focused on assembly systems.