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Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Frame Elevate a Contemporary Lookout in the Latvian Countryside

Authors:
Paulina Chustecka, Fábio Cabral
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Frame Elevate a Contemporary Lookout in the Latvian Countryside

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and a steel framework, the observation tower elegantly rises amid the Latvian landscape, serving as both a lookout and a guardian of the farmland below.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation tower incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used in its structure, promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for unique spatial experiences and optimized views across the landscape.
04
The tower’s design draws inspiration from Latvian mythology, specifically the figure Uģis, symbolizing protection of the land.
05
Strategically placed glass walls create unobstructed sightlines, seamlessly connecting the interior with the surrounding environment.
The architectural project at hand is an observation tower situated on the Kurši farm in Latvia, designed to serve both as a lookout point and a significant cultural landmark. This unique structure embodies the essence of the surrounding agricultural landscape while drawing inspiration from Latvian mythology, particularly the figure of Uģis, the deity of light and spring. In this context, the tower not only fulfills a functional role but also symbolizes protection and connection to land and nature.

Functionally, the observation tower is designed to provide visitors with an elevated perspective of the farm's operations and the surrounding environment. The structure integrates various levels, each dedicated to specific uses while maintaining visual connections throughout. The ground floor serves as a welcoming area for visitors, offering information and amenities, while the upper levels focus on observation and interaction with the landscape. The thoughtful spatial organization promotes a natural flow, encouraging exploration and engagement with both the architecture and the farm.

A critical aspect of the design is its emphasis on transparency and openness. The extensive use of glass walls allows for unobstructed views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Natural light floods the interior, fostering a connection with the changing elements of the outdoors. This design choice is not merely aesthetic but also functional, enhancing the building's ecological performance and aligning with modern sustainable architecture practices.

The project's materiality further reflects its commitment to place and context. The primary structural framework utilizes metal, providing the necessary strength to support the elevated tower while allowing for a lighter appearance. This framework is complemented by wooden elements, which bring warmth and familiarity to the structure, evoking local agricultural practices. The combination of these materials fosters a sense of harmony with the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the project's connection to its context.

The observation tower's unique design approach emphasizes the relationship between vertical and horizontal elements, with a central pathway linking the different levels and sections of the building. This pathway not only facilitates movement but also acts as a visual anchor, drawing attention to key viewpoints throughout the space. The interaction between these elements is intentional, creating a dialogue between the structure and the vast agricultural fields that stretch below.

Moreover, the design incorporates sustainable practices, ensuring that the tower serves as an ally to the natural environment. The building’s orientation and window placements are optimized for passive solar gain, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and heating. Such considerations reflect a growing trend in architecture that prioritizes environmental stewardship while enhancing user experience.

The project's overall design outcomes highlight a blending of modern architectural principles with traditional narratives, creating a space that is both functional and meaningful. The tower stands as a testament to the importance of storytelling in architecture, inviting visitors to engage with Latvia's cultural heritage while appreciating the natural beauty of the landscape.

For readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas presented here, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs related to this project will provide valuable insights into its conception and execution. The observation tower at Kurši farm exemplifies how architecture can thoughtfully intertwine with culture and environment, offering a unique perspective that is worthy of exploration.
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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
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