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 Ramps and Local Materials Create a Journey Through Nature

Authors:
Keojin Jin, Jongwon Lee
Elevated Ramps and Local Materials Create a Journey Through Nature

Project in-detail

Elevated ramps weave through the landscape, providing visitors with panoramic views of the biosphere reserve while employing locally sourced materials to create an engaging observation experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated ramps provide unique vantage points over the surrounding biosphere reserve.
02
The design emphasizes a pilgrimage experience through nature.
03
Locally sourced materials promote ecological sustainability.
04
Observation points are strategically placed for intimate views of horse grounds.
05
The architecture integrates essential services without disrupting user experience.

The Trans-Vista Tower is located at Kurgi Farm, a place known for its rich horse-breeding culture and natural beauty within a biosphere reserve. Designed to create an immersive experience, the tower invites visitors to engage with the landscape around them. The concept focuses on guiding individuals through a journey that blends architecture and nature, offering various pathways for exploration and connection.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes a concept of pilgrimage through nature. Ramps serve as the main circulation route, leading visitors to a series of elevated vantage points. These ramps allow for gradual elevation, encouraging visitors to look out over the surroundings. As visitors make their way up, they can appreciate the changing views of the landscape, creating a dynamic interaction with the environment.

Spatial Experience

Spatial organization enhances the experience as movement becomes an exploration of different perspectives. Each ramp leads to unique viewpoints, showcasing aspects of the horse grounds and expansive greenery. This design makes it easy for people to feel connected to the natural world, transforming a simple walk into a thoughtful journey. Visitors are invited to take their time, creating a sense of wonder as they ascend.

Structural Integration

The core of the tower includes essential features like an elevator and stairs, as well as service shafts, allowing for functional circulation that does not disrupt the overall experience. The design accommodates necessary services while maintaining a focus on ease of movement. This thoughtful integration helps visitors navigate the structure while enjoying the surrounding views.

Material Palette

The materials chosen for the tower include wood, metal, and concrete, all sourced locally. This decision supports sustainability and connects the building to its natural environment. The understated detailing in the construction allows the tower to fit comfortably within the landscape, providing an experience that resonates with its beautiful surroundings.

Each elevated vista point encourages guests to pause and take in the beauty of the reserve, fostering appreciation for the landscape. As visitors ascend, they engage in a meaningful experience that deepens their connection to nature.

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

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
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