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Elevated Viewing Platforms Crafted From Charred Wood And Concrete Base Embracing Nature's Horizon

Author:
Marcelo Nicolas Ramos Soto
Elevated Viewing Platforms Crafted From Charred Wood And Concrete Base Embracing Nature's Horizon

Project in-detail

Elevated triangular forms of charred wood and concrete create a seamless dialogue with the landscape, serving as a multi-functional hub for community interaction and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated triangular forms enhance views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a sustainable and weather-resistant facade.
03
The concrete base allows for structural stability while integrating with the terrain.
04
Ramps throughout create a seamless flow between different viewing levels.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels offer lightweight strength and reduce environmental impact.

### Overview

The De Smet Horizon is positioned in a scenic locale, emphasizing the synergy between architectural form and the surrounding landscape. Designed to foster community interactions and individual contemplation, its layout and features encourage visitors to engage with expansive views and natural beauty. The project is structured as a pavilion that serves multiple functions, facilitating both communal gatherings and personal reflection within a thoughtfully integrated environment.

### Spatial Engagement

The architectural design prioritizes a fluid spatial experience that encourages exploration. Triangular geometries are employed to mirror the site's topography while maximizing visibility. Internally, access ramps serve as pathways that guide visitors through the structure, promoting a dynamic interaction with the landscape. These ramps create varying levels of access and vantage points, enhancing the experience of moving through the pavilion as if traversing a natural terrain. Viewing platforms are strategically placed at different heights, allowing for diverse perspectives of the environment, thereby enriching visitors' connection to the surrounding area.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A deliberate selection of materials aligns with the project’s environmental context and user needs. The use of concrete for the structural base provides necessary durability for public engagement, while warm wood elements enhance the aesthetic appeal and sustainable qualities of the design. Aluminum and glass are incorporated to create transparent enclosures, fostering a dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces, and supporting natural light integration. Natural stone elements are utilized in landscaping, ensuring continuity between the architectural and natural landscapes. This material palette not only addresses functional requirements but also underscores a commitment to sustainability by utilizing locally sourced resources.

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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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