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Cylindrical Viewing Tower with Expansive Glass Room

Author:
Denis Gawrilin
Cylindrical Viewing Tower with Expansive Glass Room

Project in-detail

Defined by its snow-white cylindrical form and expansive glass room, the tower offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape while providing dual access paths for visitors to engage with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical design enhances structural stability and visual presence.
02
Two distinct access methods engage visitors through different experiences.
03
The glass room provides uninterrupted, panoramic views of the landscape.
04
Elevator mast allows for quick access to the viewing platform.
05
Positioned to invite contemplation of its relationship with the natural environment.

The observation tower is a carefully designed structure located in a landscape of rolling fields. Its main purpose is to provide visitors with a place to enjoy sweeping views of the surroundings. The design features a snow-white cylindrical shape that stands out against the natural backdrop, inviting curiosity and exploration.

Access to the tower is arranged through two different pathways, each offering a unique experience. The first path is a long, winding staircase that serves as a traditional way to reach the top. Climbing this staircase leads visitors to a glass room, a space designed for pausing and taking in the panoramic sights. The experience of ascending the staircase enhances the user’s connection to the environment along the way.

The second access point is a vertical elevator that moves along a tall mast. This option allows for a quick ascent to an open platform at the top, catering to those who prefer a faster route. By taking the elevator, visitors can arrive at the viewing platform where they are immediately greeted by the expansive landscape.

The key architectural elements of the tower—the cylindrical body, the staircase, and the elevator—combine to create a unified structure that embodies modern architectural principles. Each part serves a specific function while contributing to the overall visual appeal and conceptual clarity of the design. This thoughtful arrangement highlights the importance of both functionality and aesthetic design.

Transparency is a key feature, especially with the extensive use of glass in the viewing area. This design choice creates an unobstructed connection between the interior and the landscape outside. As visitors approach the building, the elegant shape rises among the meadows, inviting them to engage with both the architecture and the natural world.

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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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