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Faceted Watchtower of Steel and Timber Offering 360-Degree Views

Author:
Felix Raspall
Faceted Watchtower of Steel and Timber Offering 360-Degree Views

Project in-detail

The watchtower, with its faceted form and triangular steel structure, offers panoramic views through a porous timber skin, serving as both an observation point and a unique architectural feature within the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Faceted design oriented to cardinal points enhances unique viewing experiences.
02
Triangular steel structure optimizes material efficiency and stability.
03
Porous timber skin balances transparency and privacy for visitors.
04
Enclosable platforms adapt to various seasonal functions.
05
Operable glass panels promote airflow and user comfort.

Vidzeme Vista is a contemporary watchtower located at Kurgi Farm. It serves as both an observation point and a landmark in the landscape. The design features a faceted form with four platforms, each aligned with the cardinal directions. This arrangement allows visitors to experience panoramic views of the environment while creating an engaging space.

Structural Design

The watchtower uses a triangular steel structure that offers strength and efficiency in its construction. This framework helps maintain a lightweight appearance, which complements the tall, slender profile of the tower. Vertical movement within the building is supported by a combination of stairs and a central lift. This system ensures easy access to the various platforms on different levels.

Transparency and Privacy

A notable aspect of Vidzeme Vista is its skin, designed to provide 360-degree views from the upper levels. The facade is transparent when seen head-on but appears solid from the sides. This feature brings natural light into the interior while keeping visitors comfortable and private. The design effectively balances openness with seclusion, allowing users to enjoy their surroundings without feeling exposed.

Environmental Integration

Sustainably grown timber is used for the tower's skin, adding a warm texture to the predominantly steel structure. This material choice helps the building blend into the natural setting, creating a connection to the landscape. The enclosable platforms can serve various functions, adapting to different needs throughout the year. Large glass panels can be opened to allow fresh air inside, enhancing user comfort.

The interplay of light and shadow plays an important role in shaping the experience inside the tower. As sunlight filters through the materials, it creates a dynamic atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore and engage with the views beyond the structure.

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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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