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Elevated Observation Space Featuring Panoramic Views and Continuous Ramp Design

Authors:
Andres Cordova, Josue Valarezo
Elevated Observation Space Featuring Panoramic Views and Continuous Ramp Design

Project in-detail

A continuous ramp elevates the experience through a series of panoramic observation points, connecting visitors with the Kurgi farm while serving various multifunctional areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
A continuous ramp connects all levels, enhancing movement and accessibility.
02
Elevated design reduces environmental impact on the Kurgi farm's natural habitat.
03
Multiple observation points provide diverse viewpoints of the surrounding landscape.
04
The ground floor includes a resting area for native horses, fostering interaction with wildlife.
05
Panoramic views are achieved through an expansive glass curtain wall design.

The design enhances movement within a unique setting, integrating the building with the natural landscape of the Kurgi farm. The project reinterprets traditional stairwells into open ramps that facilitate continuous flow throughout the structure. This approach fosters connections between vertical and horizontal elements, creating a cohesive relationship between the built space and its environment.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is a continuous ramp that serves as the main pathway, allowing users to experience different atmospheres as they move through the building. The interplay between straight and circular ramp segments highlights the transition from the ground level to the upper floors. Visitors enjoy panoramic views while ascending, making the act of movement an important part of the overall experience.

Ground Floor

The ground floor is elevated to reduce impact on the natural surroundings while creating a welcoming open area for visitors. This design choice allows for interaction with native horses and offers unobstructed views of the landscape. By raising the level, the ground floor invites people to engage with the site’s features, setting the stage for a memorable visit.

First and Second Floors

The first floor serves as a key connection point, integrating the straight ramp that leads to upper levels. This area provides a clear understanding of the building's layout, facilitating smooth transitions for visitors. On the second floor, a multifunctional main space features a higher ceiling and is adaptable for various uses, such as a coffee shop or exhibition area. This flexible design caters to diverse needs while keeping essential support spaces discreet.

Upper Floors

The third floor presents unique observation points that offer different views of the Kurgi farm, inviting exploration as visitors navigate the circular ramp. This design encourages engagement with the surroundings. The fourth floor continues with an open layout, featuring an observatory and exposition area. These elements are effectively placed to maintain visual connections, allowing users to appreciate the landscape from various perspectives.

Culminating Space

At the fifth and final floor, visitors encounter a broad 360-degree view of the Kurgi farm. A glass curtain wall enhances the link between interior spaces and the exterior environment, ensuring clear sightlines. A wide, uninterrupted corridor wraps around the perimeter, allowing people to experience light and views as they explore the elevated design. This thoughtful approach responds to the natural landscape, grounding the experience in its setting.

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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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