Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wood and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Seamless Observation Experience in Nature

Author:
Luczeida i. Matos rosa
Charred Wood and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Seamless Observation Experience in Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wood and cross-laminated timber, the observation tower harmonizes with the landscape while offering visitors an immersive experience of the natural beauty surrounding Kemeri Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that provide natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that maximizes panoramic views while maintaining a compact footprint.
04
Features a universal access ramp, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors to experience the tower.
05
Promotes environmental awareness by engaging guests with the diverse ecosystem of Kemeri Park.
The Visual Frame is an architectural project designed as an observation tower in Kemeri Park, a region recognized for its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty. This project embodies a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience while fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. Functioning primarily as a lookout point, the design invites exploration and encourages social interaction, serving as a hub for visitors to appreciate both the park's flora and fauna and the broader landscape.

The architecture of the Visual Frame is characterized by a multi-tiered structure that gradually ascends through the terrain, providing various vantage points for observation. By utilizing a ramped terrace design instead of traditional stairs, the project ensures accessibility for all visitors, regardless of mobility challenges. This thoughtful approach highlights the importance of inclusivity, allowing everyone to engage with their surroundings.

Integral to the design are various materials that have been meticulously chosen for their aesthetic and functional properties. Wood serves as a primary element, bringing warmth and an organic quality that resonates with the natural environment. Transparent glass sections create a sense of openness while offering unobstructed views of the park, blurring the boundaries between the built and natural environments. The use of durable concrete provides essential structural integrity, while metal elements are incorporated in the framework, affirming stability without overshadowing the architectural intention.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Visual Frame is its sculptural form, which encourages curiosity and invites visitors to explore its features. The open balconies spaced throughout the tower provide generous areas for relaxation and contemplation, effectively merging the act of observation with moments of social engagement. As visitors ascend, they encounter a series of views that shift dynamically with their movement, enhancing their experience of the park's landscape.

The project also prioritizes sustainability, utilizing locally sourced materials and minimizing environmental impact through careful design execution. By harmonizing with its surroundings, the Visual Frame not only respects the ecological integrity of Kemeri Park but also raises awareness about local biodiversity among its visitors, promoting environmental stewardship.

The combination of accessibility, community engagement, and responsiveness to natural context sets the Visual Frame apart as an exemplary architectural project. Its design approach encourages individuals to immerse themselves in nature while fostering interpersonal connections among visitors. As you delve deeper into this project, consider exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs that complement the overall vision. Engaging with these elements will provide further insights into the thoughtful ideas that shaped the Visual Frame and its role within Kemeri Park.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy