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Clear Glass Walls and Red Brick Form Create a Unique Observation Experience

Author:
Cindy Wang
Clear Glass Walls and Red Brick Form Create a Unique Observation Experience
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A hexagonal structure with clear glass walls and classical red brick accents provides an elevated observation platform that connects visitors with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A hexagonal design enhances structural stability and visual interest.
02
Clear glass walls provide unobstructed 360-degree views of the landscape.
03
The first floor features 18 protective windows for safety while observing nature.
04
A balcony extends over two meters, offering outdoor seating and interaction with the environment.
05
A square lift ensures accessibility across all five levels of the tower.

The Kurgi Observation Tower, located near Kurgi Farm, serves as a functional space for visitors to observe the surrounding fields and landscapes. Designed with a modern approach, the structure fosters a strong connection to its natural setting. The overall concept emphasizes both practicality and aesthetics, offering a place where people can engage with their environment.

Structure and Form
The tower features a hexagonal shape that gives it a unique geometric character. This form naturally draws the eye upward, enhanced by a pointed roof made of classical red bricks. The outer walls are constructed from light bricks painted in a shell white color. This choice helps the tower blend into the landscape while adding a contemporary touch to the design. The combination of these features creates a visually appealing structure that stands out without overpowering its surroundings.

Levels and Functionality
Inside, the tower is divided into multiple levels, each designed with a specific purpose. The ground floor primarily serves as a circulation space, allowing visitors to move easily through the structure. It includes ventilation openings for restrooms and a central air conditioning system that provides comfort throughout different times of the year. The first floor, which features 18 protective windows, enhances visibility and safety while inviting interaction with the fields and horses outside.

As visitors ascend to the second and third floors, they find similar arrangements that create a sense of continuity. Each of these levels has three windows that provide expansive views of the area, making it easy to appreciate the changing landscape. On the fourth floor, a clear glass outer wall allows for panoramic sightlines, offering an immersive experience of the horizon.

Finishing Details
On the fifth floor, a balcony extends outwards over two meters, adding an outdoor area for relaxation. This space features bar tables that can accommodate up to nine people, encouraging social interaction while enjoying the views. For accessibility, a square lift connects all levels, enabling easy movement for all visitors.

Each of these thoughtful design elements comes together to make the Kurgi Observation Tower not just a place to observe the scenery but also a structure that enriches the landscape itself. The careful blending of function and form ensures that visitors can fully appreciate their surroundings.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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