Serene House of the Forest Owls Encourages Up Close Wildlife Observation

Designed by <a href="http://www.berndriegger.com/" target="_blank">Bernd Riegger</a>, the House for the Forest Owls is a stunning minimalist cabin set in the Austrian wilderness. Located in the Wolfurt region, the one-room structure is an amazing example of environmentally-blended architecture that is built with an educational purpose in mind. The aim of the project is to facilitate a hands-on experience with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/canberras-national-arboretum-visitor-centre-protects-100-of-the-worlds-endangered-trees/" target="_blank">forestry</a> observation, enabling students and scientists to coexist with and study up close woodland animals in their natural habitat.

The cabin, which cost $18,000 to build, is considered a peaceful, non-intrusive method of conducting a meaningful learning experience within "ecological contexts."

The cabin's large patio is equipped with many ledges in order to entice forest creatures of all types to share space with the wooden structure.

To enhance the observation experience from the interior, a singular bench and table face an immense horizontal window, allowing indoor environmentalists to never lose sight of their fly-by outdoor subjects.

The aim of the project is to facilitate a hands-on experience with forestry observation, enabling students and scientists to coexist with and study woodland animals up close in their natural habitat.

The cabin's open patio and large window allow for constant viewing of the surrounding wildlife.

In case of inclement weather, environmental students can enjoy the view from inside the cabin.

Multiple ledges on the patio invite woodland creatures to perch in direct site of the wildlife observers.