Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Larch Watchtower Offering Elevated Lagoon Views Through Sustainable Design

Authors:
Roland Lieb, Viktória Pintérné tóth
Larch Watchtower Offering Elevated Lagoon Views Through Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Constructed from untreated larch, the watchtower elevates visitors above the Kemeri lagoons, providing critical insights into the region's unique ecosystems and promoting accessibility for all who seek to explore.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from untreated larch for durability in wet conditions.
02
Inspired by the common pond skater for its floating support structure.
03
Features wheelchair-accessible ramps for inclusive visitor access.
04
Elevated design minimizes tree removal, preserving natural habitats.
05
Provides expansive views of unique lagoon patterns in the landscape.

The watchtower in Kemeri National Park is designed to enhance the visitor experience in a space rich in natural beauty. Located in a unique landscape that features diverse lagoons, the structure functions as an observation point, allowing people to appreciate the surroundings from a new perspective. The design concept focuses on sustainability and ecological harmony, integrating the tower with its natural environment while serving the needs of the public.

Materials
A careful selection of materials contributes significantly to the design. Untreated larch is used for its ability to withstand humid conditions, making it a fitting choice for the wetland environment. This wood can be installed without specialized labor, which helps reduce disruptions to the ecosystem. Stainless steel fasteners and tension cables further enhance the structure's strength and make assembly straightforward, ensuring safety while maintaining efficiency.

Structural Design
The watchtower features a grid structure inspired by the movement of the common pond skater, *Gerris lacustris*. This innovative approach allows weight to be evenly distributed and minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional foundations. Elevated observation platforms offer visitors clear views of the lagoon systems and the distinctive patterns formed by the landscape, deepening their connection to the environment.

Accessibility
Accessibility is a key consideration in the design. Ramps lead to the observation area and are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users. This thoughtful feature allows everyone to experience the watchtower, promoting inclusivity among visitors. The ramps enable smooth navigation, ensuring that multiple people can move easily without feeling restricted.

Height and Aspects
The elevation of the watchtower is integral to its purpose. By raising the observation platform, the design offers unobstructed views of the lagoon below, revealing the intricacies of the landscape. This height also means fewer trees need to be removed, helping to preserve natural habitats. Attention to these details supports both the project's ecological goals and the overall experience, making the watchtower a valuable resource for discovery.

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