Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Perspectives with Recycled Steel and Low Emissivity Glass

Authors:
Meaghan Dickson, Rory Peckham, Krisha Thakkar
Elevated Perspectives with Recycled Steel and Low Emissivity Glass
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with recycled steel and low emissivity glass, this observation tower rises within the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, providing elevated views that enhance the visitor experience while promoting eco-tourism in an immersive natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with recycled steel, promoting sustainability.
02
Features low emissivity glass to enhance energy efficiency.
03
Includes multiple strategically placed balconies for varied viewpoints.
04
Integrates a vertical design that reflects the surrounding forest.
05
Located within a protected biosphere, emphasizing environmental sensitivity.

The Corinthian Forest Observation Tower is located at Kurgi Farm in Latvia’s North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve. It serves as a space for eco-tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with the surrounding forest. The design draws upon the natural landscape, creating a structure that resonates with the local environment while inviting reflection and exploration.

Architectural Concept
- The tower’s design mimics the essence of the forest. Robust columns rise vertically, resembling tree trunks and creating a strong presence in the landscape. This verticality is complemented by horizontal spaces that allow movement and interaction. Each level offers specific viewpoints that encourage visitors to engage with their surroundings. This relationship between the building and nature fosters a meaningful experience as people navigate through the different perspectives.

Spatial Dynamics
- Circulation within the tower is designed to feel natural. Visitors ascend through a fully enclosed path, which protects them from the elements while providing a clear route. Balconies at various heights offer outdoor access, enabling direct interaction with the natural surroundings. Each balcony frames selected views of the forest, guiding the experience and encouraging contemplation. This intentional layout enhances the relationship between the observer and the environment.

Materiality
- Sustainability plays a critical role in choosing materials for the tower. It features recycled steel for structural elements, low emissivity glass for windows and doors, metal composite panels for walls and the floor slab, and perforated metal sheets for flooring. These materials not only serve essential functions but also align with the design's aim to minimize environmental impact. The careful selection reflects a commitment to creating a structure that respects its ecological context.

Design Highlights
- The top level of the observation tower culminates in a wrap-around balcony. This area provides sweeping views of the forest and sky, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding them. The design encourages people to pause and take in their surroundings, marking the tower as a significant feature within the landscape. This connection to nature is central to the experience, leaving a lasting impression on those who visit.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy