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Layered Pink Ropes Define Accessible Observatory Tower

Authors:
Ous Abou ras, Reem Abdelaal, Yalda Safarali, Tina Siassi
Layered Pink Ropes Define Accessible Observatory Tower

Project in-detail

The observatory tower's layered pink ropes create a visually dynamic experience while facilitating seamless accessibility, serving as a unique vantage point for visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observatory tower incorporates a modular ramp that combines a zig-zag and square design for improved access.
02
Layered pink ropes create variable density, enhancing tactile experiences as visitors move through the structure.
03
The circulation path transitions from clockwise to counter-clockwise, providing diverse landscape views.
04
Structural poles are camouflaged with the surrounding design elements to maintain a light visual appearance.
05
The observatory encourages active engagement with the natural environment while ensuring user comfort.

The observatory tower is set within a natural landscape that emphasizes accessibility and user interaction. The design concept features a modular ramp system that allows smooth movement for visitors. By combining a zig-zag ramp with a square ramp, the structure enables easy navigation while providing opportunities for varied views and experiences as visitors make their way through.

Design Integration

A key element of the observatory is the use of pink ropes, which serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. These ropes have a variable density, allowing visitors to experience a change as they approach the center of the tower. As individuals get closer, the ropes become denser, offering a different tactile experience. Moving toward the edges, the density decreases, allowing for a more open feel and a varied interaction with the space.

Circulation Dynamics

The circulation path is designed to start with a clockwise direction that later transitions into counter-clockwise movement. This shifting flow not only promotes accessibility but also presents diverse views of the surrounding area. The layout encourages visitors to engage with their environment actively as they travel through the observatory.

Structural Camouflage

Another notable aspect of the design is how the vertical elements are blended into the surrounding features. The poles that support the observatory are intentionally designed to match the ropes, reducing visual interruptions and giving a light appearance. This thoughtful integration helps create a balance between the structure and its surroundings, resulting in a clear connection between the built form and the natural landscape.

The arrangement of these elements encourages a close exploration, guiding visitors to interact with both the structure and the environment, reinforcing the ties between architecture and nature.

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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

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