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Elevated Viewing Platform Constructed with Heat-Treated Pine and Plywood in a Nature Reserve

Author:
Arthur Campling
Elevated Viewing Platform Constructed with Heat-Treated Pine and Plywood in a Nature Reserve

Project in-detail

Constructed using heat-treated pine and plywood, the observation tower integrates accessible ramps and tiered balconies to provide visitors an immersive experience of the natural landscapes within Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with heat-treated pine for enhanced durability and reduced environmental impact.
02
Features accessible ramps designed for seamless navigation by all visitors.
03
The use of plywood panels optimizes material efficiency and minimizes waste.
04
Incorporates tiered balconies to provide varied vantage points of the landscape.
05
Engagement elements, such as an interactive scribble board, foster visitor creativity.
The Pinnacle observation tower, situated within Kemeri National Park, Latvia, exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architecture, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability. This project offers a dedicated space for visitors to engage with the natural environment and serves as an educational platform regarding the area's ecological significance. The design philosophy merges functionality with aesthetic considerations, creating a structure that enhances the visitor experience while harmonizing with its surroundings.

Unique Design Principles

The design manifests a unique architectural approach through its fluid form, inspired by the shapes found in nature. The tower draws conceptual inspiration from a pine cone, reflective of the local flora and synonymous with the park's identity. This naturalistic approach is further translated into the building's exterior, utilizing a combination of solid and perforated panels that act to diffuse light while allowing for visual connectivity with the environment.

Accessibility is a cornerstone of this project, featuring ramps with gentle slopes to facilitate movement for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The ramps are dimensioned to allow for two-directional traffic, encouraging social interaction among users. Additionally, strategically placed seating areas along the pathways provide opportunities for rest and contemplation, promoting an immersive experience within the natural landscape.

Material and Structural Details

The architectural integrity of the Pinnacle observation tower is supported through the use of plywood and timber, specifically heat-treated pine wood, which complements the sustainability aspects of the design. The application of Pine Tar Vitriol as a natural wood treatment enhances durability while minimizing the project’s ecological footprint. This choice of materials not only fosters longevity but also ensures minimal waste during construction, as the design optimally utilizes standard dimensions of plywood and timber.

The unique shell structure with its tiered balconies presents varying perspectives of the park, inviting users to engage with the environment dynamically. The incorporation of sheltered viewing areas and open balconies enhances the experience by providing safe vantage points for observing wildlife and the surrounding landscape. Additionally, interactive features, such as a scribble board, connect visitors to the space, encouraging personal expression and community engagement.

Exploring Architectural Elements

For a comprehensive understanding of the Pinnacle observation tower, it is important to examine the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that illustrate the project's various components. Engaging with these architectural ideas will provide deeper insights into the innovative strategies employed in its creation. The project represents a careful balance of aesthetic appeal and practical function, making it a valuable addition to the region's architectural landscape.

Readers are encouraged to delve into the presentation of this project, where further details on the design elements, structural specifics, and overall architectural vision can be explored. By engaging with these resources, one can gain a more profound appreciation for the thoughtful methodologies that underpin the design of the Pinnacle observation tower.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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