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360-Degree Glass Prism Elevating Nature Viewing Experience

Author:
Alexander Rekhlitskiy
360-Degree Glass Prism Elevating Nature Viewing Experience

Project in-detail

The 360-degree glass prism enables unobstructed views of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, while the spiraling design and accessible ramps create an engaging and inclusive observation tower for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower includes a continuous ramp for full accessibility.
02
A 360-degree glass prism offers unobstructed views.
03
Spiral design enhances visitor engagement and movement.
04
Two open-top platforms provide elevated observation points.
05
Located within the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.

The Kurgi Spiral Tower is located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, designed to enhance visitor interaction and highlight the region's unique ecology. The tower's form allows for natural movement and exploration, guiding users through different levels. The aim is to encourage appreciation for the environment while ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

Design Concept

The Kurgi Spiral Tower focuses on creating a connection between the structure and its natural setting. The spiral shape allows visitors to ascend gradually, experiencing the changing views as they move upwards. This design not only offers extensive perspectives of the surrounding landscape but also creates an engaging experience that deepens the relationship with the environment.

Accessibility Features

Key to the tower's design is the inclusion of accessibility features that cater to everyone. A continuous ramp runs throughout the structure, ensuring that all areas are easy to navigate. This thoughtful detail makes the tower welcoming, allowing individuals with varying abilities to fully engage with the experience it offers.

Viewing Experience

One notable aspect of the tower is the proposed 360° glass prism. This feature includes a transparent bottom and roof, allowing visitors to look out at the beautiful landscape beneath and above. There are also two open-top platforms, which provide unique viewpoints for observing the area's rich ecological diversity. This design encourages visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

Environmental Context

Situated within a delicate ecological area, the Kurgi Spiral Tower serves both to attract visitors and to educate them about local biodiversity. The design aims to enhance understanding of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve's importance, reminding visitors of the need for conservation. By showcasing the natural beauty of the region, the tower invites a deeper appreciation for the environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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