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Chainmail Drape Enhances Elevated Views in Steel Observation Tower

Authors:
Alexander Gorecki, Olivia Arcidiacono, Nissie Bungbrakearti, Daniel Da Cruz
Chainmail Drape Enhances Elevated Views in Steel Observation Tower

Project in-detail

A chainmail drape filters light through a steel framework, creating dynamic internal atmospheres while providing elevated views over the North Vidzeme landscape, serving as an observation tower for visitors and equine events.
5 key facts about this project
01
A chainmail drape filters light, creating dynamic internal shadows.
02
The steel framework provides a balance of stability and aesthetic clarity.
03
An accessible vertical lift enhances visitor engagement across multiple levels.
04
The viewing gallery offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
05
Ground-level amenities enhance usability for equine event attendees.

The Kurgi Farm Observation Tower is located in North Vidzeme, Latvia, and serves as a point of connection between visitors and the surrounding equine landscape. The design focuses on creating a rich experience by encouraging exploration through varied pathways and viewpoints. The concept centers on transience, prompting individuals to engage with both the natural and built environments.

Structural Framework

The tower features a Cartesian steel framework that balances stability with clear spatial organization. This structure supports a winding circulation path, guiding visitors through different areas of the building. A vertical component that includes a lift simplifies access to various levels, allowing everyone to enjoy the space.

Ground-Level Amenities

At the base, a closed area provides food and beverage services for those visiting the tower and attending equine events. This strategic placement enhances visitor experience, creating a social space that complements the overall journey. The design meets practical needs while supporting a welcoming atmosphere.

Viewing Gallery

A key aspect of the tower is its viewing gallery, positioned at the top. This elevated area maximizes views of the landscape and sky, offering moments for reflection and engagement. Visitors can appreciate the surrounding scenery from a unique perspective, deepening their connection to the area.

Light and Shadow

The design incorporates natural light effectively, using a chainmail drape that softens incoming sunlight. This approach results in a playful dance of light and shadow inside the tower, enriching the spatial experience. The movement of light throughout the day connects visitors to the changing atmosphere outside.

At night, the lighting strategy implements soft illumination along the walkways, creating a warm glow that enhances the building's inviting appearance. This careful lighting choice encourages exploration after dark, making the tower a welcoming place at all hours.

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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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