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Cylindrical Structure Utilizing Stone and Glass for Enhanced Environmental Education

Author:
Manuel Palacios Garcia
Cylindrical Structure Utilizing Stone and Glass for Enhanced Environmental Education

Project in-detail

Crafted with stone masonry and expansive glass elements, this cylindrical center serves as a hub for environmental studies, immersing students in both academic and natural landscapes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical shape enhances natural ventilation and panoramic views.
02
Combination of local stone masonry and glass promotes sustainability.
03
Dedicated observation decks encourage engagement with the environment.
04
Central atrium design facilitates interaction across multiple levels.
05
Integration of rainwater harvesting systems supports ecological education.

### Project Overview

The Lookout, situated adjacent to the Duero River in Serio, Spain, functions as a center for environmental studies and education tailored for university students. It serves as a resource for academia and experiential learning, emphasizing the relationship between architectural design and the surrounding natural environment. The center's location enhances its accessibility and facilitates exploration, aligning with its educational mission.

### Spatial Organization and Experience

The design emphasizes a distinct spatial hierarchy, comprising study areas, exhibition spaces, classrooms, and observatories that promote collaboration and interaction. A central open spiral staircase allows for unobstructed movement within the building, while strategically placed openings frame views of the natural landscape. The vertical structure, with its cylindrical form, not only offers panoramic perspectives of the river but also encourages contemplative learning through diverse educational activities centered on observation and interpretation of the environment.

### Material Choices and Sustainability

Construction of the Lookout employs a selection of materials that merge contemporary techniques with traditional practices. Key materials include stone masonry for structural integrity and durability, concrete for its versatility, glass to enhance natural lighting and visual connections to the outdoors, and steel for supportive framing. This thoughtful combination reinforces the connection to local heritage and promotes sustainability by minimizing transportation needs. Additionally, the design incorporates natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofing, which collectively reduce environmental impact while enriching the educational experience of the center.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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