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Beacon of Vistas with Engaging Balconies

Authors:
Ekaterina Shomesova, Pavel Nasonov
Beacon of Vistas with Engaging Balconies

Project in-detail

An enclosed observation area with all-round visibility allows visitors to engage deeply with the surrounding landscape while a series of carefully designed balconies promotes social interaction and solitude, functioning as an urban lookout point.
5 key facts about this project
01
Observation area provides 360-degree views, enhancing the visitor experience.
02
Three distinct balcony designs cater to social interaction and solitude.
03
Floor heights range from 4.900 to 24.450 meters, creating a dynamic ascent.
04
Geometry of the structure encourages pauses for reflection during the climb.
05
Prominent evening illumination serves as a visual beacon for the urban landscape.

The Lighthouse observation tower stands as a contemporary feature in the urban environment, designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience both expansive views and social interaction. It is not just a viewing platform but a space that encourages engagement and reflection. The focus is on a vertical journey that invites individuals to connect with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

Floor Heights and Layout

The building comprises several levels, with floor heights ranging from 4.900 meters to 24.450 meters. This change in elevation creates a sense of ascent that invites exploration. Each floor is carefully planned, using a scale of 1:100, to promote movement and interaction. The layout encourages visitors to transition smoothly between levels, heightening their exploration of the space.

Balcony Design

An important aspect of the design is the inclusion of three distinct types of balconies located throughout the tower. Two balconies foster social interaction, serving as spaces where visitors can gather and share moments. The third balcony caters to those seeking solitude, providing an area for quiet reflection. This thoughtful approach ensures that the tower accommodates a range of visitor experiences, from community engagement to personal time.

Observation Area

At the top of the structure is an enclosed observation area that offers 360-degree visibility. This feature maximizes the views from the tower and acts as an inviting point for visitors, especially in the evening when the space becomes a beacon. The design emphasizes the role of the lighthouse, allowing individuals to appreciate both the architecture and the surrounding landscape.

User Experience

The geometry of the floors significantly influences how visitors experience the tower. The design encourages individuals to take their time while ascending. Each level offers opportunities to pause and admire the views, turning the climb into a reflective journey. The design balances practicality with aesthetic considerations, making the visit both functional and enjoyable for everyone.

The combination of varied floor heights, thoughtful balcony design, and a prominent observation area results in a space that is both usable and visually engaging.

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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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