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Circular Form with Concrete Tubes and Metal Mesh Openings for Landscape Engagement

Authors:
Barbara Sandri, Andrea Smaniotto
Circular Form with Concrete Tubes and Metal Mesh Openings for Landscape Engagement

Project in-detail

With a cylindrical form constructed from concrete tubes and enhanced by circular metal mesh openings, the structure facilitates a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape while serving as a panoramic viewpoint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical form enhances structural stability and spatial efficiency.
02
Circular openings allow for panoramic views while ensuring natural light penetrates deep into the interior.
03
Integrated metal mesh provides safety while maintaining low visual impact.
04
Staircase design encourages engagement with the surrounding landscape during ascent.
05
Platform lift ensures accessibility for all users to the upper viewing levels.

The panoramic tower stands as a thoughtful engagement with its surroundings, defined by a strong connection to nature. Located in a landscape designed for reflection, the structure functions as a viewing platform that invites users to recognize and appreciate the scenery. The overall design focuses on the circle, a shape that embodies notions of wholeness and continuity, influencing both the tower's overall form and experience.

Cylindrical Structure

The tower features a cylindrical shape based on a circular plan. This design choice facilitates an efficient construction process through the use of repeating concrete tubes that rise vertically. The cylindrical form not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a sense of stability. The design contributes to a monumental character while remaining respectful of the landscape in which it resides.

Circular Openings

Circular openings are thoughtfully integrated into the concrete tubes, allowing light and views to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. These openings create diverse visual perspectives of the landscape, enhancing users' interaction with their surroundings. The openings are covered with a metal mesh, which helps to maintain a low profile while ensuring safety and broadening the spectrum of views available.

Integrated Circulation

An integrated staircase winds around the outer edge of the tower. This design serves not just as a way to move between levels, but also as a part of the experience of the building itself. As people ascend, the staircase narrows, which adds to the dynamic relationship with the tower's upper levels. This thoughtful arrangement encourages individuals to engage with the landscape as they climb.

Accessibility Considerations

Accessibility is addressed through the inclusion of a platform lift that caters to individuals with reduced mobility. This feature allows everyone to partake in the views offered by the tower, reinforcing the project's commitment to inclusivity. The lift integrates well with the overall design, maintaining the cylindrical form while providing equal access to all visitors.

Large glass panels on the upper levels create a feeling of openness. They frame the landscape outside, allowing natural light to wash over interior spaces and creating a seamless connection with the views.

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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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