Bird Observation Tower

The basic idea was to create a structure that respects the sensitive natural site and does not disturb the life of local wildlife. Instead of a conventional, dominant lookout tower, we chose the form of a raised hide evoking a bird's nest. The structure of roughly hewn black locust trunks and natural timber has an organic feel, as if it had been a natural part of the landscape for centuries.

The observation tower does not needlessly rise above the surrounding mature greenery, but nestles naturally in the reeds on the bank of the pond. The climb up to the viewing platform itself evokes the feeling of hiding in a bird's dwelling, from which the surrounding world can be observed undisturbed.

The load-bearing structure is a three-sided pyramid of black locust roundwood whose apex joint reaches a height of 9.3 metres. Black locust timber is exceptionally resistant to moisture and weathering, which is crucial for a location on the bank of a pond.

Access is via an oak log boardwalk set on timber piles driven into the ground, enabling safe, dry passage across the wetland without disturbing the habitat.

The České Budějovice Fishponds Special Protection Area is an internationally important refuge for waterbirds, and the observation tower serves ornithologists, photographers and the public alike. From the structure, visitors can observe rare species such as the Eurasian spoonbill, herons, the red-crested pochard, teal and seasonal flocks of migrating geese.

In addition to the water surface of the Starý Houženský pond and the surrounding reeds, the platform also opens up an impressive view of the silhouette of Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle.