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Colorful Steel Platforms Enhancing Community Connection

Author:
Hong (rose) Li
Colorful Steel Platforms Enhancing Community Connection

Project in-detail

Vibrant colors define the steel structure of the Kurgi Observation Tower, creating engaging observation platforms that foster community interaction while providing an accessible space for visitors to connect with the surrounding landscape and local equestrian activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful dynamic columns support platforms arranged in a rainbow pattern, enhancing visual appeal.
02
The tower features five accessible levels, including a guest room for community gatherings.
03
Solar panels on the roof contribute to the building's renewable energy strategy.
04
Surrounding landscaping guides visitors towards its horse riding therapy programs.
05
Walkable glass floors create a connection between visitors and the natural environment below.

The Kurgi Observation Tower, located in North Latvia, offers a unique space for observing and engaging with the surrounding environment. Inspired by traditional Latvian design elements, the tower serves as a vantage point for visitors to connect with nature and explore the nearby horse riding fields. Its modern structure utilizes steel as a primary material and emphasizes a layered design concept that promotes community interaction.

Architectural Concept

The design features a vertical structure with grating platforms designed to blend with the landscape. Visitors can ascend through a series of steel stairs that wrap around the tower, encouraging exploration at various heights. Dynamic columns painted in bright colors support the observation levels, creating a playful contrast against the natural backdrop. The arrangement of these colors enhances the visual experience, inviting curiosity and engagement with the space.

Functionality and Accessibility

The tower consists of five levels, all accessible via an elevator, which ensures ease of movement for all visitors. At the top, a guest room provides a space for socializing and relaxation, reinforcing the sense of community. Above this area, a mechanical room supports the tower's functions, while solar panels on the roof illustrate the project's commitment to sustainability. This thoughtful use of resources reduces the structure's environmental impact while enhancing its overall functionality.

Landscape Integration and Amenities

Surrounding the tower is a carefully designed landscape that guides visitors towards it, enhancing their appreciation of the therapeutic horse riding programs available nearby. A small toilet facility is conveniently located close to the tower, demonstrating attention to visitor comfort. The overall design fosters a relationship between the structure and its environment, creating a place that feels connected to both nature and community activities.

Lighting Design

A significant aspect of the design is the lighting, which enhances the tower's visual character after dark. Lights around the edges of the platforms reflect the colors of the structural columns, adding to the building's nighttime appeal. This careful attention to lighting not only creates a warm atmosphere but also reinforces the connection between the tower and its natural surroundings. Visitors can appreciate the harmonious blend of light and color as they enjoy the space in the evening.

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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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