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Elevated Observation Tower Crafted from Recycled Barn Wood and Translucent Glass

Elevated Observation Tower Crafted from Recycled Barn Wood and Translucent Glass

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled barn wood and translucent glass, the elevated observation tower offers panoramic views while serving as a multifunctional space for public gatherings and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from recycled barn wood, promoting sustainability and local heritage.
02
Incorporates translucent glass to enhance natural light and visual connection with nature.
03
Features a 70-meter ADA-compliant ramp ensuring accessibility throughout the site.
04
Includes digitally printed sunflower imagery, reflecting regional flora and identity.
05
Utilizes plastic marine piles for foundation, offering durability and eco-friendly construction.

### Project Overview

The Flying Red Barn is located in Eastern South Dakota, an area with a rich agricultural tradition, and aims to modernize the archetype of the red barn while maintaining its cultural significance. This design creates a multifunctional space that includes an observation tower, trail, and public plaza, fostering community interaction and providing educational opportunities about the local environment and heritage.

### Design Concept and Spatial Strategy

This project draws inspiration from the region's agricultural landscape, utilizing the traditional barn form as a foundation for innovative design. The structure comprises overlapping elements that transform the conventional silhouette into a dynamic, ascending form. This not only enhances visibility but also encourages exploration through interconnected pathways, ramps, and observation platforms. The design integrates ADA-compliant features, ensuring accessibility while promoting an engaging visitor experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A significant aspect of the design is its commitment to sustainable material use, featuring recycled barn wood sourced from neighboring farms, which establishes a direct connection to the local heritage. Transparent glass walls allow for natural light and visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape, while digital prints echo the area's agricultural imagery. Other materials, such as compressed earth for landscaping and solar-powered amenities, further underscore the project's ecological focus. These sustainable choices are intended to minimize environmental impact while enhancing the overall user experience and promoting biodiversity.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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