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Eadweard-Inspired Observation Tower with Slatted Aluminum Facade

Authors:
Callie Tedder-hares, Shane Mccarthy
Eadweard-Inspired Observation Tower with Slatted Aluminum Facade

Project in-detail

Designed with a slatted aluminum facade that mimics natural landscapes, the observation tower invites visitors to engage with panoramic views while fostering an appreciation for the ecological context surrounding it.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by Eadweard Muybridge's motion studies, the tower features interactive etchings of a galloping horse on stair steps.
02
The variable-width aluminum slats of the facade create dynamic light effects throughout the day.
03
Level 1 provides an intimate viewing experience as the structure twists to reveal the landscape.
04
Solar panels installed on the roof contribute to the tower's energy efficiency.
05
The design encourages ecological awareness by fostering a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

The Kurgi Observation Tower stands in a landscape shaped by glacial hills, valleys, and lakes. It serves as a space for eco-tourism and the protection of the Latvian Ardennes horse breed. The design focuses on the connection between the built environment and nature. It seeks to highlight ecological change and the concept of time. Inspired by Eadweard Muybridge's sequences of motion, the tower encourages visitors to engage with a narrative of movement as they move upward through its spiraling structure.

Structural Framework
At the heart of the tower is a concrete lift core that provides essential support. The internal stairs are made from black steel, ensuring both strength and durability. This configuration allows for a gradual experience, with each level unfolding to reveal different aspects of the surrounding landscape.

Facade Design
The exterior features an arrangement of horizontal aluminum slats that vary in width. These slats are wider at the bottom and become narrower at the top. This approach creates a visual connection to the greenery around the tower while allowing light to filter in. The design also offers framed views, encouraging visitors to take in the scenery during their ascent.

Interior Experience
Level 0 welcomes visitors into an enclosed space that builds anticipation for what lies ahead. As they climb to Level 1, the interior opens up, providing more intimate views. This level continues to twist, creating an engaging experience as the vistas expand through the wider slats. Level 2 offers far-reaching views through a clear glass window and leads to an open balcony, promoting a strong connection to the natural environment.

Artistic Elements
An interesting feature of the tower is the integration of images inspired by Muybridge’s work. Every second stair step is etched with a depiction of a horse in motion, adding a layer of interaction for visitors. Lighting is thoughtfully arranged, with LED strips in the handrails and mounted fixtures on the ceiling. This enhances visibility while keeping design integrity intact.

The combination of structural and artistic elements invites reflection on the relationship between nature and architecture. As visitors navigate the tower, they engage with their environment 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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