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Corten Steel Wind Tower Enhancing Natural Ventilation in a Visitor Center

Author:
Katinka Gábris
Corten Steel Wind Tower Enhancing Natural Ventilation in a Visitor Center

Project in-detail

The central wind tower utilizes Corten steel to enhance natural ventilation while offering panoramic views, serving as a visitor center that fosters engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design is inspired by the forms of flamingos, reflecting elegance in its structure.
02
A central wind tower incorporates a water sprayer system for enhanced natural ventilation.
03
Corten steel is used for the wind tower, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
The building layout is linear, guiding visitors from parking to the tour route.
05
Panoramic views from the café create a direct connection with the surrounding landscape.

The design is situated within a natural reserve, aiming to blend with its surroundings. Inspired by the elegant forms of flamingos, the concept focuses on creating an organic appearance that connects with the environment. It functions as a visitor center, facilitating movement and interaction with the landscape while allowing for scenic views from its café. This underscores an experience that goes beyond traditional architecture.

Design Intent

The building’s layout is linear, starting from the parking area and moving toward the tour route. This design encourages visitors to flow through the space naturally, creating a sense of journey. Inside, the white finishes contrast with the vibrant scenery outside, enhancing the natural beauty visible from the café. Clean lines and minimalist forms foster a modern feel, reflecting the unembellished nature around it.

Central Feature

A notable element is the wind tower, centrally located and oriented to the northwest. This feature provides natural ventilation and includes a water sprayer system to circulate cool air. The wind tower also plays a structural role, reinforcing the building’s framework while supporting efficient airflow. This thoughtful design merges functionality with environmental considerations.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for the project include Corten steel and synthetic resin. Corten steel is appreciated for its durability and weather-resistant qualities, allowing it to develop a unique patina over time. Synthetic resin is used in various elements, providing strength and flexibility. The careful selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and a design that considers both function and aesthetics.

The combination of the building’s linear form, functional elements, and selected materials creates an experience that encourages exploration and appreciation of the surrounding nature. Each detail reinforces the idea of a space that respects its context, inviting visitors to engage with the landscape in a meaningful way.

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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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