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Corten Cladding and Spiral Pathway Elevate Views Over Wetlands

Authors:
Julien Gomes, Sandra Pinto
Corten Cladding and Spiral Pathway Elevate Views Over Wetlands

Project in-detail

A spiraling pathway constructed from Corten steel rises nine meters above the wetlands, offering expansive views and an interactive experience for visitors seeking to connect with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation tower incorporates a flexible mesh element suspended nine meters high.
02
The spiral pathway provides continuous, uninterrupted views of the surrounding wetlands.
03
Custom railings double as benches for visitor relaxation and scenic enjoyment.
04
Corten steel cladding evolves in color and texture with seasonal changes.
05
The design avoids overlapping levels to ensure fluid movement throughout the space.

The observation tower in Kemeri National Park rises above the wetlands, providing a unique vantage point for visitors. The design centers around a spiraling pathway that leads upward to an observation deck. This concept allows people to experience nature from different heights and perspectives, creating a connection between the structure and the surrounding ecosystem.

Dynamic Pathway Design

At the heart of the design is the pathway, which follows a spiral shape. This form creates changing views as people ascend. Each step offers a new perspective of the diverse plant and animal life in the park. Visitors are not just climbing a ramp; they are embarking on a journey that invites exploration and engagement with nature.

Custom Railings and User Interaction

Custom railings are integrated into the design, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. They add to the overall shape of the ramps while enhancing safety. The interior railing features a built-in bench for resting, allowing visitors to pause and appreciate the scenery. This thoughtful detail encourages moments of reflection and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.

Vertical Engagement Element

A flexible mesh element is suspended around nine meters above the ground. This encourages interactions in the vertical space of the tower. The design eliminates overlapping levels, ensuring a smooth flow of movement as users ascend. The ramp is more than a path; it is an experience that invites people to engage with the surroundings from multiple angles.

Materiality and Aesthetic Integration

Corten steel is used for the tower’s exterior. This material is chosen for its ability to change over time, reflecting the seasons and environment. It helps the tower blend into the landscape. Visitors can watch as the color and texture evolve through different weather conditions. This relationship with nature adds depth to the structure, making it a lasting part of the park.

The tower culminates in a conical top that resembles a monocle, framing wide views of the bogs and lakes nearby. This design invites visitors to take in the beauty of the landscape and deepens their connection to the park. The observation tower stands as a thoughtful addition to Kemeri National Park, enhancing the experience for those who seek to engage with its rich natural environment.

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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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