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Circular Form With Radial Fins Crafted From Glass and Concrete at Elevated Viewpoint

Authors:
Megan Elizabeth Andrews, Zia Mackenzie Mcgee
Circular Form With Radial Fins Crafted From Glass and Concrete at Elevated Viewpoint

Project in-detail

Radial fins of glass and concrete enhance the circular form of an elevated observation tower, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape while serving as a communal viewpoint for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radial fins enhance natural light penetration while providing shade for the interior space.
02
The tower’s circular geometry promotes a seamless flow of movement for visitors.
03
Site-specific drainage solutions are integrated into the concrete structure to manage runoff effectively.
04
An accessible spiraling staircase encourages exploration across multiple levels of the tower.
05
Frosted glass elements blend functionality with an aesthetic connection to the surrounding landscape.

## Overview

The Legendary Highway 14 Tower is located north of the Big Slough, near De Smet. The design aims to incorporate architectural innovation with an emphasis on environmental sensitivity, facilitating a connection between the built structure and the surrounding natural landscape. The project explores concepts of purity and user experience while ensuring harmony with the ecological context.

### Form and Spatial Strategy

The tower features a striking elongated structure characterized by circular platforms and radial fins. These elements not only contribute to the visual identity of the building but also enhance its functional dynamics by maximizing natural light penetration while minimizing direct sunlight exposure. The strategic orientation and placement of the tower allow for optimal daylight access, while the design fosters a seamless integration with existing pathways that encourage visitor engagement with the natural environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection for the tower emphasizes a commitment to transparency and sustainability. Frosted and clear glass is employed to create an inviting interior environment that resonates with the surrounding ecosystem. The construction materials include concrete, glass, steel, and gravel, ensuring durability and effective drainage. Additionally, the adoption of modular design techniques enhances construction efficiency and sustainability, while passive design strategies, such as evaporation cooling through the steel fins, support energy efficiency. Detailed technical considerations, including tension breaks and targeted glazing layouts, further reflect a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility in the architectural details.

Overall, the design and construction of the Legendary Highway 14 Tower exemplify a thoughtful balance of aesthetics, functionality, and ecological integration.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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