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Framed Views of Nature Through Cantilevered Wood Slats and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Luczeida i. Matos rosa
Framed Views of Nature Through Cantilevered Wood Slats and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Cantilevered wood slats create a dynamic visual frame, enhancing engagement with the natural landscape while providing an observation tower designed for inclusive visitor experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered design enhances stability while providing unobstructed views.
02
Wood slats create a texture that harmonizes with the natural landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to environmental sustainability.
04
Observation decks are strategically positioned for optimal wildlife viewing.
05
Inclusive pathways ensure accessibility for all visitors, regardless of mobility.

### Overview

The Visual Frame, located in Kemeri Park, Latvia, is designed as an observation tower aimed at enhancing visitor engagement with the park's diverse ecosystems. Its intent is to provide panoramic views and foster social interaction while ensuring accessibility for all users. The architectural approach centers on creating a structured, yet inviting space that connects visitors to their natural environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction

The design features a staggered, porous structure with multiple cantilevered platforms, allowing for strategic viewing points that encourage interaction with both the landscape and wildlife. Accessibility routes are embedded in the layout, ensuring that visitors with varying levels of mobility can navigate seamlessly throughout the site. The tower incorporates areas tailored for both social gatherings and solitary contemplation, cultivating a sense of community and individual connection with nature.

### Materiality and Ecological Integration

The material palette emphasizes sustainability and environmental compatibility. Predominantly using wood for façade and framing, the design reflects a commitment to ecological harmony, combining aesthetics with functionality. Transparent glass elements enhance visual connections to the surrounding landscape while allowing natural light to penetrate interior spaces. Reinforced concrete provides foundational stability, and composite woods are utilized in surface finishes to withstand weather conditions while maintaining a natural look. The integration of boardwalks and gentle pathways minimizes ecological disruption, reinforcing the structure’s connection to its environment.

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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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