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Observatory featuring a Steel Framework and Earthy Brown Accents in a Biosphere Reserve

Authors:
Ana rita Pereira, Hugo Casanova
Observatory featuring a Steel Framework and Earthy Brown Accents in a Biosphere Reserve

Project in-detail

Nestled within a biosphere reserve, this observatory emerges as a slender steel structure, seamlessly blending elevated observation points with earthy brown accents to foster community engagement and a deep connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The observatory incorporates a steel lattice framework that maximizes transparency, allowing natural light to enhance the interior spaces throughout the day.
02
It features a circular plaza at the base, designed specifically to facilitate community gatherings and events, promoting social interaction among visitors.
03
Elevated observation points are strategically placed to provide unobstructed views of the surrounding biosphere, making nature the focal point of the experience.
04
The use of earthy brown accents harmonizes the structure with its natural environment, reinforcing its commitment to ecological sensitivity.
05
The design prioritizes accessibility, with a central circulation core that allows for smooth navigation between different levels and spaces.
The Kurgi Observatory represents a thoughtful intersection of architecture, nature, and community engagement. Situated near the North Tahoma Biosphere Reserve, this observatory serves the dual function of an observational structure and a gathering space, fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the surrounding environment. The project emphasizes a journey of exploration and understanding, encouraging users to ascend from ground level to experience elevated views and enhanced interactions with the landscape.

At its core, the Kurgi Observatory is designed as a tall, slender tower that elegantly rises above the flat terrain, symbolizing a physical and metaphorical ascent toward greater awareness and appreciation of the cosmos. The architectural design integrates a steel framework, characterized by its transparent and open lattice pattern, allowing natural light to flood the interior while providing structural integrity. This choice of materials also emphasizes sustainability, as glass elements promote a visual connection to the outdoors, creating a seamless transition between interior spaces and their natural surroundings.

The observatory is cleverly organized around a central circulation core, which guides visitors through a series of levels, each offering distinctive viewpoints and experiences. The pathway around the tower's base forms a circular plaza, encouraging communal gathering and interaction. This design fosters a welcoming atmosphere, making it suitable for both small, intimate groups and larger public events. Each level of the observatory features dedicated spaces for observation and exploration, including three observatory rooms designed for varying group sizes and functions.

Unique aspects of the design lie in its multi-functional spaces and the thoughtful spatial arrangement. The observatory ingeniously blends areas for individual reflection with spaces for community engagement, accommodating workshops, educational programs, and social gatherings. The outdoor terraces and observation points enable users to engage actively with the landscape, inviting them to pause and appreciate their surroundings, and reinforcing the project’s mission of connecting people with nature.

The use of materials further embodies the project’s overarching themes. In addition to the high-strength steel used for structural components, the observatory incorporates brick for its base, creating a tactile connection with the earth. Concrete elements provide stability, while wood finishes may contribute warmth and comfort to the internal spaces.

The Kurgi Observatory serves as not just an architectural feature but also as a catalyst for community interaction, education, and engagement with the environment. It challenges conventional notions of an observatory by encouraging a dialogue between users and the natural world, inviting contemplation and exploration in a collaborative manner.

For those interested in a more comprehensive understanding of this project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and overall design will yield deeper insights into the Kurgi Observatory's thoughtfully crafted elements. This exploration will illuminate the creative ideas that shaped this architectural endeavor, showcasing its contributions to both the built environment and the surrounding landscape.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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