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Glass Canopy Overlooking Natural Vistas in Elevated Observation Platform

Author:
Wei chen Ma
Glass Canopy Overlooking Natural Vistas in Elevated Observation Platform

Project in-detail

Elevated on pillars and surrounded by sweeping views, the platform incorporates glass elements to enhance visibility and interaction with the landscape while serving as an observation space for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on pillars to minimize land disruption.
02
Incorporates areas for waiting and changing near the entrance.
03
Spirals downward to create layered walking experiences.
04
Allows users to engage with the space beneath the platform.
05
Features glass elements for unobstructed views of the landscape.

The design features a platform inspired by the shape of a spiral staircase, located in a scenic caldera. The main goal is to create a space that allows visitors to experience different views while connecting them to the surrounding natural area. The design focuses on changes in elevation, inviting exploration and interaction without any obstructions in sight.

Platform Structure

The platform's design focuses on the concept of a spiral staircase, shaping how people move through the space. As visitors ascend, they discover new viewpoints of the landscape at each step. This elevation enhances the visual experience and fosters interaction with the natural beauty of the site.

Connectivity Features

A footbridge provides access from the ski lift station to the platform. This bridge acts as an important entry point, with areas for visitors to wait and prepare for their time on the platform. There are also spaces for changing clothes, ensuring comfort. The stairs that lead up to the platform transition into a spiral descent to encourage walking and reflection.

Elevated Experience

The platform stands above the ground on pillars, which ensures minimal disruption to the natural terrain. This design allows users to occupy the space below the platform, maintaining a connection to the earth and the landscape. In winter, the visual impact is enhanced as sunlight reflects off both the snow and glass elements of the design, catching the eye from a distance.

Design Aesthetics

The structure evolves from a spiral staircase into a form that resembles a small mountain. This transformation invites everyone to find their own viewpoint, enriching the experience for all visitors. Transparent glass elements provide a clear connection to the surroundings, allowing visitors to engage directly with the landscape while enjoying the views from the platform.

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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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