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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

Project in-detail

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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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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