Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Horseshoe-Shaped Observation Tower Embracing Steel and Glass in the Ardennes

Author:
Tatiana florencia Bica caldas
Horseshoe-Shaped Observation Tower Embracing Steel and Glass in the Ardennes

Project in-detail

With a horseshoe-shaped observation tower crafted from steel and glass, the design integrates seamlessly into the Ardennes landscape while serving as a hub for breeding rare Latvian Ardennes animals and promoting community interaction through an educational riding school and accessible pedestrian paths.
5 key facts about this project
01
Horseshoe shape mimics local agricultural forms.
02
Observation tower provides 360-degree panoramic views.
03
Design incorporates a dedicated educational riding school.
04
Pedestrian paths enhance accessibility and community interaction.
05
Constructed in the environmentally sensitive Ardennes landscape.

On a prominent hill in the Ardennes, a new design emerges that enhances the local landscape and serves a vital purpose linked to Kurgi Farm. This project integrates human knowledge with ideas for preserving biodiversity, reflecting a commitment to both the environment and local community. Key features include an observation tower, riding school, barn, pedestrian path, and a parking lot, making it an important center for both residents and visitors.

Architectural Concept

The concept draws inspiration from the shapes of horseshoes and DNA, symbolizing the farm's goal to breed rare and valuable animals that are part of the Latvian Ardennes heritage. This design creates a narrative where the building connects to both nature and local culture. It represents a bridge between traditional agricultural practices and contemporary architectural ideas.

Functionality and Layout

The layout of the project prioritizes ease of movement between different functional areas while respecting the natural features of the site. The observation tower provides sweeping views, allowing visitors to directly engage with the landscape. The riding school serves as an educational space for the community, focusing on equestrian activities and fostering environmental awareness. The barn plays a central role in the farm’s breeding efforts, demonstrating the functional aspects of the design.

Materials and Aesthetics

The choice of materials is essential in shaping the design’s modern look. Steel offers strong support, enabling large open spaces that maximize views and light. Aluminum contributes durability and complements the overall design with a contemporary feel. Glass is used to bring in daylight, creating a connection between the interior and the outdoors. Together, these materials form a cohesive architectural language that reflects the farm's commitment to innovation.

Design Integration

The design also focuses on accessibility, with pedestrian paths that promote interaction between the building and its surrounding landscape. Thoughtful planning allows visitors to navigate the area easily while enjoying the natural beauty. Unique forms and careful details, like outdoor spaces with scenic overlooks, enhance the overall experience, inviting people to think about the connection between human activity and nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy