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 Viewing Platform with Accessible Paths in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Natasha Ribeiro, Martin Luna
Elevated Viewing Platform with Accessible Paths in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

The elevated viewing platform, complemented by accessible ramps and walking paths, offers visitors an engaging experience while fostering interaction with the diverse ecology of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates a maintained foot-trail that enhances accessibility throughout the site.
02
The observation tower includes a spacious viewing platform offering extensive views of the biosphere reserve.
03
Shaded seating areas are strategically placed to encourage visitor relaxation and interaction with nature.
04
Exterior walking paths are incorporated to promote exploration of the surrounding landscape.
05
The ramp ensures inclusivity for all visitors, accommodating varying levels of mobility.

The Kurgi Farm Observation Tower is located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve in Latvia, designed to welcome visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the area. The structure blends into its surroundings while providing necessary facilities that improve the visitor experience. The design emphasizes accessibility and encourages interaction, inviting guests to explore the rich ecology of the reserve.

Architecture Concept

The architecture of the tower focuses on connecting people to the landscape. A maintained foot-trail runs through the site, making it easy for visitors to navigate the area. This thoughtful design supports movement, allowing individuals to explore comfortably. Along the trails, there are seating areas where visitors can stop and appreciate their surroundings, promoting a deeper engagement with nature.

Functional Features

Key elements of the tower include a viewing platform, a ramp, and exterior walking paths on the top floor. The viewing platform serves as a place to observe the landscape while also acting as a gathering space. Visitors can enjoy broad views of the biosphere reserve from this elevated point. The ramp enhances accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the space, regardless of their physical abilities, which increases the overall usefulness of the site.

User Engagement

The site plan features important aspects like shaded seating areas and designated parking for visitors. This setup reflects careful planning aimed at creating an immersive experience that goes beyond simple observation, inviting visitors to interact more fully with the natural environment. Exterior walking paths encourage exploration and foster a stronger connection to the landscape.


The observation tower strikes a balance between construction and nature, offering a comfortable space that encourages interaction with the environment. The design of the viewing platform paired with nearby seating areas promotes a sense of community, allowing for quiet moments of reflection amid the beauty of the biosphere reserve.

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