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Fractal Spiral Structure with Local Pine and Galvanized Components in Nature Reserve

Author:
Jan Storm
Fractal Spiral Structure with Local Pine and Galvanized Components in Nature Reserve

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a distinctive spiral form made from locally sourced pine and galvanized steel, allowing visitors to experience the natural landscape from multiple perspectives as an observation tower in KEMERI National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The spiral form allows for a gradual ascent, creating an immersive experience of the landscape.
02
Three tiers of seating provide panoramic views, encouraging social interaction among visitors.
03
Locally sourced pine logs reflect a commitment to sustainability and ecological integration.
04
Galvanized steel connectors ensure structural durability while maintaining a low environmental impact.
05
The design has the potential for future expansion in 2-meter increments as visitor needs evolve.

The Spiral Tower at KEMERI National Park is a structure designed to connect visitors with nature while offering functional spaces to enjoy the surroundings. Standing at 6 meters tall, its spiral shape draws attention and encourages exploration. Inspired by fractals and the golden ratio, the design concept emphasizes minimal energy use and thoughtful integration with the park's landscape.

Design Concept

The tower’s spiral shape serves as a central feature, inviting visitors to move through its levels. It includes three circular tiers of seating at the top, providing a panoramic view of the natural scenery. This layout fosters interaction with the environment, allowing people to appreciate the beauty of the park from different angles as they ascend.

Materiality

Locally sourced 15cm diameter pine logs form the main structure of the tower, showcasing a commitment to using regional materials. The natural look of the wood helps it blend with the landscape. Galvanized steel connectors reinforce the structure, ensuring it lasts while maintaining a low profile in the environment. Together, these materials create a balance between functionality and aesthetic coherence.

Adaptability

The design includes features for future modifications, allowing for the addition of beams and platforms in 2-meter increments. This flexibility enables the tower to adapt to the changing needs of the visitors while preserving its main form. An 8% gradient slope enhances accessibility, providing an inclusive experience for everyone who wants to engage with the structure.

The overall shape of the Spiral Tower contributes to the distinctive character of KEMERI National Park. As visitors make their way up, they experience the fluidity of the spiral. The design encourages contemplation and connection with both the structure and the surroundings, making each visit a unique experience.

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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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