Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Terraces Define an Eco-Friendly Observation Structure

Authors:
Tommaso Ferrari, Diego Perusko, Cristian Torreggiani
Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Terraces Define an Eco-Friendly Observation Structure

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and an innovative tiered design, the structure offers panoramic views while serving as a functional observation point within the Estonian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to achieve structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Includes multiple elevated terraces for varied observational experiences.
05
Integrates renewable solar panels discreetly within the overall form.

The Kurgi Sky Tower is a contemporary architectural project located in Kurgi, Estonia. This design functions primarily as an observation structure, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape from various vantage points. The tower integrates modern materiality and design principles while maintaining a strong connection to the natural environment, reflecting the ethos of contemporary architecture.

The structure promotes seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Its tiered composition invites exploration, with separations designed to enhance user experience on each level. The emphasis on openness and transparency aims to evoke a sense of freedom and connectivity as visitors experience changing perspectives of the surrounding terrain.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the distinguishing features of the Kurgi Sky Tower is its thoughtful material selection. The extensive use of locally sourced wood for cladding and structural beams provides ecological benefits and establishes a tactile relationship with nature. Metal elements are incorporated for durability and structural integrity, enhancing the visual lightness of the tower. Glass panels maximize natural light penetration and provide unobstructed views, effectively dissolving the boundaries between the indoor spaces and the expansive exterior.

The multi-tiered layout is also significant. Each level offers distinct experiences through carefully designed layouts that encourage movement and exploration. The ground floor serves as an access point, while the elevated levels provide observation decks with panoramic views, integrating the building with the site’s natural elevation. This layered approach is designed to create a journey for visitors, allowing them to engage progressively with the landscape.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The Kurgi Sky Tower incorporates specific functional zones across its levels. The ground floor establishes connectivity, providing essential services and circulation. The first and second floors emphasize communal spaces, including social gathering areas adjacent to terraces that invite outdoor experiences while offering protection from the elements. The upper floors, culminating in the sky room, cater to observation and reflection, providing expansive views of the environment. This strategic zonation ensures the architectural design supports varied uses while prioritizing visitor engagement with nature.

The integration of renewable energy systems further addresses sustainability, with solar panels discreetly incorporated into the design. This approach aligns with a focus on ecological responsibility while maintaining architectural integrity.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Kurgi Sky Tower, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This additional information will provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas and design principles that inform this notable structure.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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