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Cable-Stayed Structure Featuring Natural Wood and Steel Elements for Elevated Observation Experience

Author:
Lucas Carriere
Cable-Stayed Structure Featuring Natural Wood and Steel Elements for Elevated Observation Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with a central mast and cable-stayed platforms made from dimensional lumber and steel, this observation tower offers diverse viewing opportunities of the South Dakota landscape while prioritizing accessibility and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a central mast and cable-stayed platforms, minimizing structural impact on the landscape.
02
Modular design allows for efficient assembly and maintenance, promoting community involvement.
03
Features an accessible ramp to enhance inclusivity for all visitors.
04
Incorporates natural materials, including dimensional lumber and steel, for durability and aesthetics.
05
Offers diverse viewpoints from multiple spiral platforms, enhancing the connection with the environment.

## Overview
Located within South Dakota's Big Slough and Silver Lake ecosystems, the SkySpiral serves as an observation tower designed to enhance visitors' ecological and cultural interactions with the surrounding environment. The project embodies a contemporary architectural approach that integrates with the landscape while prioritizing functionality and user engagement. By offering a versatile observation experience, the SkySpiral aims to become a focal point for exploration and education within this natural context.

### Spatial Strategy
The SkySpiral features a spiral arrangement of observation platforms encircling a central mast, linked by a system of cable stays. This configuration optimizes the visitor experience by providing multiple viewpoints while maintaining a minimal land footprint. The structure's fluid form echoes natural growth patterns, such as plants or shells, creating a visual dialogue with its environment. The inclusion of an accessible ramp supports universal engagement, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can partake in the experience.

### Material Selection
The materials used in the construction of the SkySpiral reflect a commitment to sustainability and structural efficiency. Dimensional lumber forms the platforms, offering both warmth and stability, while high-tensile strength steel cables provide essential support with minimal visual intrusion. Additionally, cable mesh railings enhance safety without obstructing views. This thoughtful selection not only contributes to the aesthetic and functional qualities of the tower but also aligns with contemporary sustainable building practices through lightweight construction and reduced material usage.

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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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