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Corten Steel Structure Merging Agricultural Heritage with Elevated Viewing Experiences

Authors:
Ethan Dowling Wu, Adam Elliott Bergman, Joshua Thomas Weber
Corten Steel Structure Merging Agricultural Heritage with Elevated Viewing Experiences

Project in-detail

Constructed from Corten steel, the Silo Observation Tower rises above its rural surroundings, offering a unique vantage point that highlights the area's agricultural landscape while serving as an engaging observation space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathering Corten steel, the exterior evolves in appearance over time, enhancing the structure's integration with the environment.
02
The tower's design incorporates expansive glass openings for unobstructed views, enriching visitors' experience of the surrounding landscape.
03
Unique tiered levels provide varying observation points, offering diverse perspectives as visitors ascend.
04
Utilizes a central staircase that doubles as a viewing corridor, creating an engaging physical experience while navigating the space.
05
Incorporates sustainable practices through careful material selection, promoting longevity and minimal environmental impact.
The Silo Observation Tower is a thoughtfully designed architectural structure located at the convergence of the Big Slough and Silver Lake. This project serves as a viewpoint that enables visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape while also referencing local agricultural heritage. The tower combines practicality with a distinct aesthetic, integrating modern design with elements that reflect its rural context.

The Silo’s principal function is to provide an elevated platform for observation. Visitors ascend through a central staircase, experiencing a gradual ascent with varying views at each level. The tower culminates in an expansive viewing deck that offers panoramic vistas of the natural surroundings. This verticality not only enhances the visual experience but acts as a landmark within the landscape, guiding visitors and residents alike.

The design incorporates several innovative aspects that distinguish it from typical observation towers. One notable feature is the utilization of Corten steel, chosen for its corrosion-resistant qualities and ability to weather gracefully, allowing the structure to blend with the natural elements. This materiality reinforces longevity while simultaneously creating an aesthetic continuity with the environment.

Additionally, the use of wood in both structural and aesthetic applications provides warmth and a tactile quality that links back to agricultural traditions. Large glass openings and viewports facilitate natural light penetration, optimizing the interior environment and reinforcing the connection between the interior spaces and the landscape outside.

The tiered structure of the Silo is another unique design strategy. Each level is designed to function independently, creating diverse experiences for visitors as they traverse the various height levels. The careful consideration of sightlines directs attention to significant landscape features, enhancing the overall engagement with the surroundings.

For those interested in architectural specifics, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design elements can provide deeper insights into this project’s engineering and design philosophy. Observing the nuances of the Silo Observation Tower will reveal essential architectural ideas that inform its design and functionality.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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