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Corten Steel Structure Featuring a Spiral Ramp in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Remco Van den broek, Martijn Ravia
Corten Steel Structure Featuring a Spiral Ramp in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Rising 35 meters, the observation tower's spiral ramp constructed from corten steel offers a progressive journey through the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve, culminating in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower incorporates a 35-meter spiral ramp for accessible ascent.
02
Corten steel is used for durability and to blend with the landscape.
03
The design prioritizes minimal material use to enhance sustainability.
04
An enclosed space with a central fireplace provides thermal comfort.
05
The location offers panoramic views of the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve.

The Kurgi Farm observation tower is set within the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve, designed as a peaceful retreat from the busy modern world. Its primary aim is to create a space where visitors can connect with nature. The overall concept is built around an accessible design that encourages engagement with the surrounding landscape, offering a unique experience for all.

Design Concept

The observation tower is marked by its continuous spiral ramp, which rises to a height of 35 meters. This ramp allows easy access for everyone, while also creating a journey that reveals stunning views of the biosphere. People can appreciate the changing scenery as they ascend, making the experience not just functional but also enriching.

Structure and Materials

The tower’s construction uses corten steel for its strength and weather resistance. This material blends well with the natural surroundings and ensures that the structure remains durable over time. The balustrades are made from locally preserved wood and rope, which support the tower's sustainable approach and create an inviting atmosphere around the space.

Interior Space

At the top of the tower, an enclosed area features a central fireplace for warmth. This space is designed to provide comfort while allowing guests to enjoy the views outside. The combination of an inviting interior with large openings connects visitors to the surrounding nature, making it feel like part of the landscape.

Site Integration

The observation tower is carefully positioned to show respect for the ecology of the biosphere. The design minimizes environmental impacts through careful selections in materials and a focus on low-tech solutions. This thoughtful approach encourages visitors to appreciate the unique beauty of the North Latvia Biosphere Reserve.

The observation tower stands tall and functional, with its spiral ramp providing an inviting path upwards, drawing visitors into the heart of nature.

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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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