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Ethereal Red Metal Observation Structure with Perforated Panels Enhancing Sustainable Viewing Experience

Authors:
Dasha Kurylenko, Roman Kurylenko
Ethereal Red Metal Observation Structure with Perforated Panels Enhancing Sustainable Viewing Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed with a vibrant red metal framework and perforated panels, this observation tower strategically enhances the viewer's connection with nature while providing versatile platforms for photography and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from a painted metal framework, ensuring durability in harsh weather conditions.
02
Features three distinct observation platforms, each offering unique vantage points for users.
03
Incorporates solar panels at the top for energy self-sufficiency in remote locations.
04
Utilizes perforated metal for guardrails, enhancing visibility while maintaining safety.
05
Designed to blend with the landscape, promoting a seamless interaction between structure and environment.

### Project Overview

Located within a natural landscape, the Ethereal Observation Tower is designed to provide a unique vantage point for visitors while minimizing environmental impact. Its structure aims to enhance the viewing experience for photographers and nature enthusiasts by integrating seamlessly with the surroundings. The tower features multiple observation platforms, each offering distinct perspectives of the landscape, and employs an efficient use of materials in its construction.

### Structural Expression and Accessibility

The tower's design emphasizes a modular structure, characterized by a painted metal frame that provides durability and visibility against the context of the environment. The geometric form promotes a sense of lightness, while the minimalistic staircases lead to three distinct observation areas, each approximately 9 square meters in size. This layout allows flexibility for different user groups and activities, accommodating both individuals and larger gatherings in a functional manner.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Constructed primarily from painted and perforated metal, the tower ensures both longevity and safety through its weather-resistant features. The incorporation of solar panels at the top facilitates self-sufficiency, further emphasizing a commitment to sustainability. These design choices not only reduce the reliance on external power sources but also allow for easy maintenance, enhancing the tower's usability in various seasonal conditions. The vibrant red color distinguishes the tower within the landscape, creating a prominent yet harmonious presence that encourages interaction with the natural world.

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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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