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Light-Filled Tower With Iron Core Promoting Nature Connection

Author:
Tudoran Sergiu
Light-Filled Tower With Iron Core Promoting Nature Connection

Project in-detail

A tower with an iron core and strategically placed openings captures natural light and frame views, creating a serene retreat that fosters connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tower features a central iron core for structural stability.
02
Strategic openings throughout enhance natural light and views.
03
Design integrates a canvas cloth for creative light play.
04
Top level provides a sheltered space for reflection and privacy.
05
Elevator access ensures inclusivity for all visitors.

The design at Kurgi Farm is located in the scenic landscape of the Latvian Ardennes, aiming to create an environment for solitude and reflection. The central element of the design is a tower that acts as both a visual reference and a multifunctional space. The approach emphasizes a relationship with the natural surroundings, allowing for an experience that encourages contemplation and engagement with the ecosystem.

Core Structure

The tower’s core acts as the main structural component, designed to support various levels while enabling movement through thoughtfully placed openings. These openings not only provide access but also enhance the entry of natural light, contributing to an open and airy feel inside the structure. This core is essential for both stability and flexibility, allowing the design to maintain its architectural integrity.

Supportive Framework

The stability of the tower is bolstered by a network of beams that vary in length to accommodate different loads from each level. Their specific shapes enhance strength and ensure an even distribution of weight throughout the entire structure. This approach allows the design to clearly express its intent while maintaining safety and usability.

Interior Experience

Light plays a significant role in the experience of the tower. The ground floor is designed with a special cloth that filters light into the basement, offering a lively interplay of light and shadow. As visitors ascend, they encounter different lighting conditions on each level. The second floor features walls with openings that provide views, inviting users to connect with the landscape while also gaining insights into the local ecology.

Final Design Details

The top level of the tower serves as a dedicated space for quiet reflection. It invites users to engage with their surroundings from a more personal viewpoint. The adjustable curtains afford a level of privacy and adaptability to the environment. Also, an elevator platform ensures that this reflective space is accessible to all visitors, enhancing the overall experience offered by the design. The thoughtful elements throughout enrich the time spent within the tower, reinforcing its purpose as a place for contemplation and connection with 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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