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Clear-Glass Viewing Room Set Against Hexagonal Observation Tower Design

Author:
Andrew Druding
Clear-Glass Viewing Room Set Against Hexagonal Observation Tower Design

Project in-detail

A hexagonal observation tower with clear-glass viewing spaces invites visitors to connect with the surrounding landscape while providing accessible vantage points for an immersive outdoor experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower's hexagonal design allows for 360-degree views.
02
Each observation platform provides unique visual experiences.
03
Ground floor features an open patio for guest interactions.
04
The top floor includes a clear-glass room for events.
05
Vertical circulation is designed for complete accessibility.

The observation tower is designed to enhance the relationship between visitors and the surrounding landscape. Located in a vast natural setting, the structure serves as both a lookout point and a space for interaction. The design emphasizes a connection between the interior and exterior, inviting users to engage with their environment in various ways.

Geometry and Spatial Organization
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The tower features a hexagonal base form, which allows for 360-degree views. This shape not only maximizes visibility but also integrates well with the landscape. The grid-like structure makes construction straightforward and encourages a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings.

Vertical Circulation
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One hexagon is specifically dedicated to vertical circulation. It includes a spiral staircase that wraps around an elevator, facilitating movement between levels. This design ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can access all parts of the tower. Each floor is crafted to provide unique viewing experiences, encouraging interaction with the outdoors through thoughtfully framed vistas.

Ground and Upper Levels
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The ground floor is an open space that welcomes visitors arriving for tours or horseback rides. It serves as a transition point to the experience of the landscape. In contrast, the top floor features a clear-glass room that offers wide-ranging views of the estate, allowing for gatherings or events. This flexibility enhances the building's role as a community space.

Observation Experience
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The varying observation platforms throughout the tower create diverse viewing opportunities. Guests can frame distant landscapes, look down to see activities on lower levels, or glance up and spot other visitors above. This design invites exploration and deepens the user's connection with nature, adding to the overall experience of the space.

The tower's exterior maintains simplicity, ensuring it blends with its natural context. The careful organization of geometric forms and movement paths creates a thoughtful environment for all who engage with it.

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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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