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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

Project in-detail

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.

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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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