LOCALARCHITECTURE
The Bird Island House
best architects 22
public buildings
Place
Préverenges, Switzerland
Studio
Photos
Matthieu Gafsou
Description
In 2016, the Lausanne ornithology club (Cercle
Ornithologique de Lausanne or COL) acquired a small cabin facing the Île aux
Oiseaux (Bird Island) at Préverenges, an artificial biotope reclaimed from the
lake and now classified as an official nature reserve. Ideally located opposite
the island, the new Maison de l’Île aux Oiseaux (Bird Island House) aims to
raise awareness among the public and the region’s schoolchildren of issues
around nature protection, the climate and the negative impact of human
activities on stopover sites for migratory waders. The building structure is
composed of solid vertical boards, assembled without glue that have been bent
to form a lacework structure of vertical elements echoing the delicacy of a nest.
The large round window is an eye-catching feature that draws attention and is
reminiscent of a camera obscura or a nesting box. Structurally, the building
therefore presents a striking contrast between the different kinds of techniques
deployed – both contemporary and traditional.