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Balcony Views Framed by Stainless Steel and Glass Within a Central Core Retreat

Author:
Ábel Györgyi
Balcony Views Framed by Stainless Steel and Glass Within a Central Core Retreat

Project in-detail

With a central core structure framed by stainless steel and expansive glass, the retreat offers panoramic views, integrating relaxation and accessibility into a thoughtfully designed landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central core structure enhances vertical circulation and user interaction.
02
Balconies oriented at alternating angles create diverse viewing experiences.
03
Steel cables minimize balcony thickness while maintaining structural integrity.
04
Solar panels on the roof promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
05
Triangular slabs provide a streamlined appearance that echoes the landscape.

Kurgi Tower is located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve of Latvia, an area known for its vast forests and serene lakes. The tower functions as both a retreat and a viewing platform, integrating naturally with the landscape. The design centers on a core structure that supports multiple levels while encouraging interaction between the indoor spaces and the outdoors.

Architectural Concept

The concept features a central core that provides the main structural support. This core simplifies vertical movement and includes areas designed for relaxation. Balconies surrounding the core create a unique outline, with alternating orientations to give visitors different perspectives of the landscape. This arrangement adds character and engages users with their surroundings.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The façade incorporates steel cables, which keep the balconies light and visually appealing. A stainless steel frame ensures structural strength, while clear glass walls within the core maximize daylight and create unobstructed views of the surrounding area. This combination of materials fosters a strong connection between the interior and the natural environment, allowing for an enriching experience.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The interior is designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. The spaces feature calm shapes that correspond with the building's external appearance. Each floor contains tables and benches for relaxation, while fireplaces add warmth, making the tower usable in various weather conditions. An elevator provides access for up to eight visitors, complemented by a spiral staircase for emergencies, ensuring safety and ease of movement.

Sustainability Features

Kurgi Tower places importance on sustainability, highlighted by solar panels on the roof that contribute to energy independence. The overall design reflects careful material choices and systems that reduce environmental impact.

The triangular slabs create a soft, curved appearance that harmonizes with the landscape, mirroring the natural forms found in the area.

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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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