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Elevated Steel Structure with Sensitive Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Klaus Benkel, Alberto Novoa, Macarena Andrade
Elevated Steel Structure with Sensitive Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

A vertical steel tower integrates a dynamic ascent mechanism with habitable terraces, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape while providing essential viewpoints throughout a public park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower features an innovative hand pedal mechanism for user-controlled elevation.
02
Habitable terraces provide unique landscaping perspectives at various heights.
03
Constructed primarily with steel for enhanced structural durability and flexibility.
04
The design emphasizes sensory interactions with light and wind throughout the experience.
05
Strategically located near lagoons to integrate water features into the visitor experience.

The design features a prominent tower positioned within a horizontal park, close to two lagoons. This upward structure stands out against the landscape, creating a clear visual contrast with the flat surroundings. The overall concept revolves around the relationship between vertical elements and natural terrain. It aims to enhance how visitors interact with both the building and the environment.

Dynamic Mechanism

A key feature of the tower is its innovative system that allows users to ascend and descend effortlessly. Hand pedals located on core platforms engage a series of gears, working alongside a counterweight and braking system. This design ensures a safe and smooth experience as visitors move between levels. Each element has been carefully considered to promote comfort and ease of use, making the journey to elevated viewpoints enjoyable.

Habitable Beams

The tower also includes habitable beams that lead to terraces designed for relaxation and observation. These areas provide unique viewpoints of the surrounding park. By offering varied perspectives, the terraces encourage visitors to connect with the landscape in a more meaningful way. The arrangement of these spaces allows users to enjoy light and shadows throughout the day, enhancing their experience of the environment.

Materiality and Structure

Steel is the primary material used for the tower's core structure. This choice supports the tower's height while ensuring stability. The use of steel enables a straightforward, modern design that aligns with the surroundings without overpowering them. This choice reflects an intention to create a building that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Sensory Engagement

The design fosters a strong connection to the sensory aspects of the environment. As visitors travel through the tower, they are exposed to changing light conditions and the movement of air. This interaction deepens their experience, making each visit unique. The design encourages moments of pause and reflection, allowing people to truly appreciate the beauty of nature around them.

The terraces offer inviting spaces for contemplation, framed by stunning views of the landscape, encouraging visitors to stop and be present in the moment.

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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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