Biotope - architecture & nature

We engage in pro nature projects 

Biotope is Norways first and only architectural office with special expertise on birds and birdwatching (birding). We combine the field of architecture with over 25 years of experience in field ornithology. Our architectural solutions are built on both understanding and care for nature. Our hides and shelters carefully balance the need for visibility in order to attract and concentrate human activities, the practical requirements of the birders and sensitivity to the needs of the birds. 

We design bird hides, outdoor wind shelters, birdwatching towers, photo hides, information boards and exhibitions, nature trails, open-air amphitheaters and much more. Our designs are adapted to different types of habitats and purposes. We have developed methods to handle important issues such as vibration in constructions, wind handling, view- and sight lines. We have the necessary specialist knowledge to create meaningfull projects.

Our clients range from private businesses to public environment authorities. We work both on commission and we initiate projects where we see potential. We do not wait for things to happen. We make them happen. 

A biotope is a biological community - an ecological space. Bios is life, topos is place

Architecture is a tool to protect & promote birds, wildlife and nature.

Bird hides & wind shelters

We have developed a series of unique hides and wind shelters catering to both birders and nature enthusiasts.  One of them is the Hornøya birdcliff birdhide and wind shelter.
The bird cliff Hornøya in Varanger is a fantastic place. This is home to 100 000 birds, of a wide variety of species. It is one of Varangers most popular places to visit for birders and bird photographers. Here Biotope designed a bird hide that gives shelter from the arctic winds. The character of the site and insight in wind directions and sightlines informed the design of the hide. Our hides and shelters carefully balance the need for visibility in order to attract and concentrate human activities, the practical requirements of the visitors and sensitivity to the needs of the birds. 

Bird hide / wind shelter - the Steilnes bird hide

More on the Hornøya bird hide

Photo hides

At Biotope we love bird and nature photography. When we are not inthe office designing new projects we are out in hte field birding or photographing birds. We chase the ultimate wildlife experience! Photo hides let you approach birds without scaring them. We design nature photo hides that are carefully adapted to the requirements of birders and nature photographers. We create prototypes and research new possibilities, always with the intentions of bringing nature closer. Feel free to contact us if you need a new hide built, or perhaps you just need a set of drawings in order to build one yourselves. 

Read more about Biotope photo hide prototyping

Check out Arctic Tourists Floating photo hide

Outdoors amphi theaters

We create niché-architecture, but we are also well aware that the architecture we design should be beneficial to local communities and the general public. Grandefjæra outdoor amphitheater and bird tower is a good example of a multipurpose facility. Here a ramp leads up to the tower section. Underneath we have designed a small amphitheater with enough space for a school class. It has great views of a tidal landscape and its rich bird life. The roof is transparent and create a bright open space. This is birding to the people.

Read more about the Bird tower / outdoor amphitheater in Ørland

Nature Destinatination Development & PR

We are involved in several regional projects in Norway that focus on birding / birdwatching as a tourist attraction. In these projects we make large-scale analyses of a region by mapping all the best birdsites and develop architectural consepts for the various sites. We also take much care in working with local companies and nature based businesses. 

Some of our key work is in Varanger / Arctic Norway. This region is now being recognized as one of the finest birding destinations in the world. Within a few years birding has become a key part in Varangers economy and even an important part of the regions identity. This does not happen by chance. Firstly you need the natural qualities of the destination to be able to sustain a very rich and unique birdlife. Few places do. Then you need to present this to the a very specialized crowd of people worldwide: the birdwatchers - or birders as is the preferred term. 

Biotope also make maps and design products, exhibitions and much more. If it involves promoting birds and nature, or any great nature destination we are in.

Within the world of birders - the nature enthusiasts and professionals, there are far more biologists and naturalists then there are designers and architects. This is where the Biotope office have found a niché.

Read more about birding destination development in Varanger

About mapping and researching Varanger

Om Biotope / about Biotope (in Norwegian)

Biotope er Norges første og eneste " fuglekikker-arkitektkontor". Vi tegner fuglekikkerskjul, fugletårn, fotoskjul, utendørs amfiteatre, vindskjul, moderne gapahuker og andre typer naturtilrettelegging. 

I tillegg til å designe arkitektur for naturopplevelser jobber vi i Biotope med helhetlig destinasjonsutvikling. Biotope er basert i Varanger, og vi har siden 2009 jobbet målrettet med å etablere Varanger som verdens fremste arktiske fugledestinasjon. Dette arbeidet innebærer oppføring av arkitektur dedikert fugle- og naturopplevelser. Vi tenker hele tiden helhet og lager også PR-materiell for både destinasjoner og reiselivsaktører. Dette er eksempelvis fuglekart, infofoldere, blogg-artikler, foredragsturneer, utstillinger og mye annet. I Varanger samarbeider vi tett med lokale og regionale reiselivsaktører. Resultatet er en destinasjon som har hatt en markant vekst i reiselivsnæringen de siste årene. Dette tillegges i stor grad besøkende fuglekikkere fra mange ulike land. I dag jobber Biotope med naturtilrettelegging og destinasjonsutvikling flere steder i Norge, fra Lista i sør til Smøla og Ørlandet i midt-Norge til Varanger i nord.

Vi kan levere tegninger og ferdige fuglekikkerskjul. Trenger du et fuglekikkerskjul, et fugletårn, et fotoskjul eller en annen form for naturtilrettelegging er du velkommen til å kontakte oss. Vi kan bistå med alt fra konseptutvikling til tegningssett for fuglekikkerskjul og videre til helhetlige destinasjonsplaner. 

Please feel free contact us if you have questions, or need a birder architect on a project. 

Tormod Amundsen, daglig leder / ceo

Email: tormod@biotope.no  

mobile: 0047 99 33 49 82

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