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Corten Steel Observation Tower Integrating Walkable Wetlands and Native Flora

Authors:
Patricia amelia Santoso, Mario hendry Muller, Rahajeng sekar Nihlah
Corten Steel Observation Tower Integrating Walkable Wetlands and Native Flora

Project in-detail

Elevated walkways constructed with corten steel provide unobstructed views of the wetlands, enhancing the visitor experience within the ecological landscape of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with corten steel, the tower's weathered appearance blends seamlessly with the natural environment.
02
Elevated walkways facilitate unobstructed views of the surrounding wetlands and biodiversity.
03
The design incorporates accessible ramp systems, ensuring all visitors can engage with the landscape.
04
Perforated steel panels provide light filtration while maintaining visitor privacy at different heights.
05
Native flora is preserved and integrated into the surrounding landscape, enhancing local ecology.

## Project Overview

Located in Kemeri National Park, Latvia, the design features an observation tower intended to enhance the visitor experience while providing insight into the park’s diverse ecosystems and picturesque landscapes. The project focuses on integrating architectural elements with the natural environment, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the park's ecological wealth.

### Spatial Organization and Design Elements

The project incorporates a series of elevated walkways that loop around the observation tower, offering varying heights and perspectives that encourage exploration and prolonged engagement with the surroundings. The primary structural support consists of steel arches, which provide stability while maintaining an open aesthetic. Integral to the design are Corten steel and galvanized metal grating, chosen for their durability and visual compatibility with the natural landscape. The Corten steel's weathered appearance harmonizes with the park's tones, while the grating allows for visibility beneath the structure, creating a sense of transparency.

### Accessibility and Environmental Sensitivity

The design prioritizes inclusivity through the incorporation of ramps to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges, ensuring equitable access to observation points. Elevated platforms minimize ground disturbance, preserving local habitats and contributing to the ecological integrity of the site. Additionally, the landscaping around the structure enhances sustainability by integrating native vegetation and promoting biodiversity. This design choice aims to educate visitors on environmental conservation while providing an immersive experience in the natural setting.

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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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