Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Oxidized Wood and Steel Structure Enhancing Community Connection

Authors:
Tommaso Ferrari, Diego Perusko, Cristian Torreggiani
Oxidized Wood and Steel Structure Enhancing Community Connection

Project in-detail

Constructed with oxidized wood and a flexible steel framework, the Kurgi Sky Tower fosters community engagement through panoramic terraces and inviting interior spaces, seamlessly blending built and natural environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community-focused design promotes social interaction through flexible interior layouts.
02
Panoramic terraces integrate natural observation into the visitor experience.
03
Oxidized wood panels enhance durability while creating visual warmth.
04
Steel framework supports open floor plans for unobstructed views.
05
The structure's organic form echoes the surrounding landscape.

The Kurgi Sky Tower is an architectural endeavor located in Kurgi, an area abundant in historical and cultural richness. The design focuses on simplicity, warmth, and a strong connection to nature. It serves primarily as a community space, aimed at encouraging inclusivity and social interaction while being considerate of the surrounding environment.

Design Concept

The concept highlights the importance of bringing people together and building community ties. The structure functions as a gathering place that fosters shared experiences and a sense of belonging. It emphasizes how architecture can create meaningful connections between individuals and their surroundings, making the environment feel welcoming and engaging.

Form and Aesthetics

The tower's shape combines soft, flowing lines with more angular forms, creating a balance that complements the landscape. The soft lines suggest elements found in nature, while the geometric features indicate practicality and precision in construction. This thoughtful mix results in a cohesive design, marrying beauty with functionality in a practical manner.

Materiality

Materials are chosen carefully to enhance the design's purpose and appearance. The project features oxidized wood panels, which add warmth and durability to the interior spaces. These panels visually link the tower to its natural surroundings. The metal framework supports the structure, enabling open and flexible floor plans that allow for impressive views of the area.

Interior and Exterior Spaces

Panoramic terraces are designed to merge indoor and outdoor areas, encouraging visitors to engage with nature. These terraces come equipped with practical lighting, allowing use at any time of day. The fourth-floor Sky Room is particularly notable, with large windows that fill the space with natural light and showcase scenic views. This room is intended to be inviting, with furnishings that facilitate a variety of gatherings for the community.

Access to different levels is thoughtfully managed through the use of oxidized wood panels in the stairwell and a self-supporting steel ladder. This design adds to the welcoming atmosphere within the tower. The surrounding structures provide safety while also enhancing the overall visual quality of the space, reflecting a modern design philosophy that values both practicality and aesthetics.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy