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Observatory Designed with Warped Pyramids and Mirrored Glass for Enhanced Environmental Integration

Author:
Kyle Mahoney
Observatory Designed with Warped Pyramids and Mirrored Glass for Enhanced Environmental Integration

Project in-detail

This observatory features a series of warped half pyramids constructed with lightweight steel and mirrored glass, seamlessly integrating accessibility and engagement with the natural landscape of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The observatory's design incorporates warped half pyramids that allow for an innovative approach to blending architectural form with the natural topography.
02
Mirrored one-way glass is utilized to reflect the surrounding landscape, creating an immersive experience while minimizing visual disruption.
03
A serpentine pathway system enhances accessibility, providing a dynamic approach to navigating the observation areas without traditional vertical elevation.
04
The use of grassy earthworks promotes environmental engagement, inviting visitors to interact with the site’s ecosystem on a more intimate level.
05
Lightweight steel framework supports the structure, enabling slender forms that maintain structural integrity while reducing the overall visual bulk.
The Periscopic Dell project is an innovative architectural endeavor situated in the picturesque Kemeri National Park in Latvia. This observatory embodies a thoughtful approach to design that emphasizes accessibility, connectivity with nature, and respect for the existing landscape. The project aims to foster an immersive experience for visitors, encouraging them to engage with their environment in a profound way.

Functionally, the Periscopic Dell serves as an observatory, offering a unique platform for observing the diverse flora and fauna of the Kemeri landscape, including wetlands, lakes, and rich biodiversity. The design prioritizes inclusivity, creating spaces that are welcoming to all individuals, including those with mobility challenges. This innovative approach to accessibility is achieved through a combination of gently sloping pathways and varied elevations, allowing visitors to experience the observation points without the barriers typically associated with vertical structures.

The architectural design features a series of warped half pyramids that are supported by a lightweight lattice framework. This configuration not only adds a sculptural quality to the structure but also enhances the relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings. The use of mirrored one-way glass on the exterior serves to reflect the landscape, seamlessly integrating the observatory into its setting while providing users with uninterrupted views. This choice of material, coupled with the lightweight steel framework, allows for a delicate balance between strength and transparency, ensuring that the building contributes to the visual dialogue of the park rather than overpowering it.

A significant aspect of the architectural design involves the incorporation of green earthworks that blend with the site’s natural terrain. These grass-covered mounds create intimate nooks for visitors, inviting them to pause and reflect while immersed in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful design element encourages exploration and interaction with the environment, fostering a sense of place and belonging within the park.

The pedestrian routes through the observatory are designed to engage the visitor, as they meander past the ramps and observation areas, promoting a journey of discovery rather than a straightforward ascent to a viewpoint. The serpentine design of the pathways provides not only accessibility but also an enhanced sensory experience, inviting users to savor the sights and sounds of the park throughout their journey.

The Periscopic Dell is a testament to contemporary architectural principles that prioritize harmony with the environment and the inclusivity of design. The project showcases creative functionality while addressing critical issues such as accessibility in natural settings. Visitors are encouraged to delve deeper into the nuances of this project by exploring architectural plans, sections, and innovative designs that further illuminate the underlying ideas of this extraordinary observatory. Whether through the examination of specific architectural details or a broader understanding of the design's intention, engaging with the Periscopic Dell will offer a comprehensive perspective on how architecture can thoughtfully integrate with the natural world.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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