Sweden’s Thatched Takern Visitor Center is Home to 100 Species of Birds

This stunning thatched visitor center near <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden" target="_blank">Sweden</a>'s Lake Tåkern features a golden reed roof that serves as a nesting ground for over one hundred species of birds. Designed by architecture studio <a href="http://www.wingardhs.se/php/flash.html" target="_blank">Wingårdhs</a>, the center was constructed using traditional building techniques in which the walls and roof were covered with reeds. The building's <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/thatched-roof/" target="_blank">thatched</a> exterior is reminiscent of blinds used by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/bird-watching/" target="_blank">bird watchers</a> and it provides spaces for small birds to nest.

<a href="http://www.wingardhs.se/php/flash.html" target="_blank">Wingårdhs</a>'s Lake Tåkern visitor center provides a place for birds to retreat as well as nesting materials for birds to build their own cozy houses.

The asymmetrical center is formed around a central entrance courtyard.

The walls are lined with timber, and a single skylight allows natural light to enter the building.

The building was constructed using traditional materials.

Over time, the center will fade in color and acquire a grey tone to suit the surrounding shades of the Swedish landscape.

Located on the banks of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%A5kern" target="_blank">Lake Tåkern</a>, the center is beautifully situated to give visitors views out across the water.

Visitors can also make use of the bridges and boardwalks connecting the building to the bird-watching tower.