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Corten Steel and Pressure-Treated Wood Create a Spiral Observation Retreat Embedded in Wetlands

Author:
Steve Pribyl
Corten Steel and Pressure-Treated Wood Create a Spiral Observation Retreat Embedded in Wetlands

Project in-detail

Crafted from corten steel and pressure-treated wood, the spiral structure emerges seamlessly from the wetland landscape, serving as an observatory that enhances environmental engagement and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from corten steel, the structure develops a natural patina that blends into the wetland environment.
02
The spiral design enhances visual perspectives while promoting accessibility through gentle slopes.
03
Strategic viewports are integrated to frame specific landscapes and enhance visitor engagement with nature.
04
Pressure-treated wood accents provide a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape and ensure durability.
05
Solar-powered LED lighting is seamlessly incorporated to minimize ecological disruption while providing illumination.

The Kemeri Observatory is an architectural project designed to serve as an observation facility that harmonizes with its natural environment. Located in a landscape characterized by wetlands and rich vegetation, the observatory emphasizes the relationship between human interaction and nature. The project is organized around a spiral form, encouraging exploration and providing incremental views of the surrounding landscape. This architectural approach enhances user experience by creating a seamless transition between the interior of the building and the natural world.

Unique Form and Natural Integration

The design incorporates a logarithmic spiral that aligns with principles of biophilic design. This approach emphasizes natural forms and integrates the building into the landscape, reducing its impact on the environment while enhancing visual connectivity. The use of curved elements in the structure supports a gradual ascent through different viewing platforms, allowing visitors to engage with various perspectives of the site. Each viewpoint is purposefully designed, encouraging visitors to pause and appreciate their surroundings.

The materials selected for the observatory, including corten steel, pressure-treated wood, and concrete, contribute to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the building. The weathering steel provides durability while blending organically into the environment. The wood elements enhance tactile interactions and reinforce the connection to nature, while concrete ensures stability throughout. Solar-powered LED lighting is thoughtfully integrated to minimize disruption to the landscape, promoting sustainability in architectural design.

Functional Spaces and User Experience

The observatory is designed to facilitate a diverse range of activities, including solitary reflection and community engagement. The ramps are designed with an 8% slope to ensure accessibility, encouraging a relaxing experience as visitors move through the facility. The layout not only supports practical observation of the surrounding environment but also fosters communal interaction.

Strategically placed viewports frame specific landscapes, further enhancing user experience by creating focal points that draw attention to the beauty of the site. This thoughtful design approach nurtures an appreciation for the natural world, stimulating curiosity and engagement.

For those seeking further insights into the Kemeri Observatory, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs provided in the project presentation. Detailed examination of these elements can enrich understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin this unique project.

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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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