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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

Project in-detail

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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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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