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Celestial Observation Tower Merging Community Rituals with Nature

Author:
Luca Bonifacio
Celestial Observation Tower Merging Community Rituals with Nature

Project in-detail

Rising from the water with suspended piers that facilitate community rituals, the towering structure offers a unique space for celestial observation while fostering a deep connection between nature and human experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rises from the water, enhancing the connection to the landscape.
02
Features suspended piers that support community ritual gatherings.
03
Designed to provide optimal celestial observation at night.
04
Incorporates local narratives of resilience and environmental awareness.
05
Fosters a contemplative atmosphere through its elevated structure.

The design located north of Riga explores the connection between human experience and the natural world. Rising prominently from the water, the structure is conceived as a tall tower that reflects both ancient influences and modern aspirations to connect with the cosmos. It is not just a space for gathering; it invites visitors to observe and reflect upon their surroundings and their place in the universe.

Conceptual Framework

The design emphasizes a relationship between the built space and the natural setting. The tower rises with purpose, combining strength and aspiration to create an immersive experience. From its height, visitors can appreciate the landscape and the sky, enhancing their understanding of both nature and architecture.

Spatial Arrangement

The suspended piers serve as gathering spaces for rituals at dawn. These areas promote social connections while encouraging reflection. Participants engage in shared experiences, fostering a sense of community and inviting contemplation of the natural rhythms of the day. This arrangement allows for quiet moments as the sun rises, enhancing the atmosphere of mindfulness.

Environmental Narrative

The structure is informed by the local community's history, especially the challenges faced during past floods and displacements. The design stands as a symbol of resilience, embodying a commitment to honoring the natural laws that the community values. This narrative shapes the architectural decisions, ensuring that the form complements the landscape instead of overwhelming it.

Aesthetic Considerations

The tower encourages engagement with both the environment and the stars. At night, visitors can observe the sky, with stars visible against the structure’s silhouette. This focus on celestial connection creates a powerful moment, merging architecture and astronomy, and deepening the appreciation of the vastness beyond our everyday lives.

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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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