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Elevated Views from a Wooden Structure with Infrared Comfort

Author:
Adela Cadar
Elevated Views from a Wooden Structure with Infrared Comfort
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With its wooden structure and integrated infrared heating, the observation tower provides visitors with a comfortable experience while they enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five distinct observation levels facilitate varying perspectives.
02
Infrared heating panels ensure comfort across all floors.
03
A large balcony enhances outdoor viewing opportunities.
04
Elevator access improves usability for all visitors.
05
The design incorporates sustainable wooden materials throughout.

The Kurgi Observation Tower is designed to enhance the visitor experience. Located within a natural landscape, the structure serves as a place for users to observe and appreciate their surroundings. The design emphasizes accessibility and functionality while integrating into the site. The vertical orientation of the tower offers various vantage points for visitors to enjoy.

Spatial Organization

The tower features five distinct levels, each carefully arranged to provide unique views. The ground floor, with an area of 14.73 m², acts as the entry point, allowing users to access higher levels comfortably. The first floor matches this size, facilitating easy movement. As visitors ascend, the second floor expands to 17.90 m², the third to 21.30 m², and the fourth to 23.40 m². The fifth floor culminates this progression with an enclosed area of 33.60 m², designed as the main observation space, complemented by a spacious balcony measuring 81.60 m² for enjoying panoramic vistas.

Accessibility and Circulation

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of the tower's design, clearly illustrated by the inclusion of elevators on all levels. This consideration ensures that everyone can easily navigate the building, enhancing the overall experience. The layout promotes smooth circulation, encouraging exploration and interaction while creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Lighting and Comfort

Smart solutions for lighting and heating enhance comfort throughout the tower. Indirect LED lighting in the handrails helps establish a warm atmosphere. To keep visitors comfortable in varying weather conditions, infrared heating panels are integrated both vertically and horizontally. These features work together to create an inviting space, allowing people to enjoy the structure throughout the year.

Materiality and Aesthetics

The design showcases a simple, vertical shape that is complemented by thoughtful details, which enhance both the structure's integrity and its visual appeal. Key materials include wood shingle roofing and wooden deck elements that connect the tower to its environment. The facades present a consistent design that captures how light interacts with the building, adding to its character.

The fifth-floor observation space stands out with its large openings that welcome natural light and offer unobstructed views of the landscape. This area invites visitors to engage with the beauty around them. The design's simplicity and careful material choice foster a strong connection between people and nature, highlighting the purpose of the Kurgi Observation Tower.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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