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Cortensteel Cantilevers Over A Meditative Space Wrapped In Timber

Author:
Mateusz Bartczak
Cortensteel Cantilevers Over A Meditative Space Wrapped In Timber

Project in-detail

A cantilevered top floor of cortensteel extends over a central meditative void, while the surrounding untreated pinewood cladding invites engagement with nature in this multi-level observation tower.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design maximizes viewing angles across the landscape.
02
Perforated walls enhance natural light while providing air circulation.
03
Multi-level hammock nets promote visitor interaction and relaxation.
04
Vertical pinewood slats allow for dynamic aging and visual softness.
05
Universal access is ensured through a gentle ramp at the entrance.

Koka Bāka, meaning "wooden beacon," is a tower that stands out in its landscape. With its unique cantilevered top floor, the design allows for wide views of the surrounding area. The building invites visitors to experience nature while providing a feeling of openness. Full-height sliding doors on three sides of the upper level connect the interior with the outdoors, fostering interaction with the environment.

Structure and Materials

The tower’s framework includes 200x200mm pre-rusted cortensteel columns and beams, creating a solid base. This combination offers stability while allowing the design to reach impressive heights. Trusses support the cantilevered top floor, emphasizing both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Together, these elements make the tower a practical yet visually interesting structure.



Core Design and Accessibility

In the center of Koka Bāka is a void space that acts as a quiet area for visitors. Here, horizontal hammock nets provide a place to rest and reflect. The walls have many perforated openings, allowing light and air to flow inside. A gentle ramp leads to the base of the tower, making it accessible for everyone and creating a friendly atmosphere as people ascend.



Circulation and Cladding

Moving through the tower is an engaging experience thanks to the winding staircases that change direction partway up. This variation keeps the journey interesting. The outer wall serves as a railing, with additional safety features where necessary. Vertical untreated pinewood slats are used for cladding the structure. These slats are spaced to provide views while ensuring safety. As the wood ages, it helps the tower blend better into its natural surroundings.



Environmental Orientation

Koka Bāka is positioned to align with the four cardinal directions. This setup creates a connection with the landscape, and the cantilevered top appears to point toward the Kurgi farm, establishing a visual link with the open area. At night, the tower is lit in a way that highlights the base and horizontal openings. This creates a beacon-like effect, drawing attention to the structure in its setting. The interplay of light and shadow adds further depth, making the building noteworthy both day and night.

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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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