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Mast-Like Structures with Translucent Fabric and Locally-Sourced Timber Enhancing Coastal Observation

Authors:
Paul Schlachter, Christelle Coetzee
Mast-Like Structures with Translucent Fabric and Locally-Sourced Timber Enhancing Coastal Observation

Project in-detail

Elevated by mast-like forms and wrapped in translucent fabric, the design harmonizes with the coastal landscape while providing essential observation and communal spaces for visitors along the Baltic Sea.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mast-like structures mimic maritime elements while providing visual prominence.
02
Translucent fabric sheath enhances natural light and user experience within the space.
03
Flexible foundations allow for easy adaptation with minimal ecological disruption.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting system promotes sustainability and resource efficiency.
05
Observation decks offer varying perspectives of the Baltic Sea and forest canopy.

### Project Overview

Located along the Baltic Sea coastline, the Forest Lamp project serves as both a visual marker and a recreational space, aiming to enhance human engagement with the surrounding landscape while promoting sustainability and community involvement. The design integrates into the coastal forest environment, aligning artistic vision with functional practicality in its endeavor to connect visitors to nature.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The Forest Lamp features tall, conical structures that evoke the form of a mizenmast, creating vertical landmarks that guide visitors through the forest while offering panoramic views of the sea and landscape. The design includes multiple viewing decks at varying heights, facilitating diverse interactions with the environment. Communal areas, furnished with benches and hammocks, are strategically placed to encourage social engagement and leisurely activities. The structures also incorporate a flexible setup that allows for community-oriented events and camping, minimizing ecological disturbance through a design that does not rely on fixed foundations.

### Material Considerations

The project emphasizes sustainability through careful selection of materials, aligning construction with ecological values. Locally sourced timber provides the structural framework, while steel reinforces the integrity of the upper decks. A translucent fabric envelops the buildings, allowing natural light to filter through while offering shelter. Circular gabion walls composed of stone integrate seamlessly into the landscape, and the innovative use of recycled rubber tires contributes to the upper deck design's durability. These material choices reflect a commitment to harmonizing the built environment with the natural setting, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and ecological sustainability.

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

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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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