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Panoramic Green Space Framed by Steel and Black Locust Slats

Author:
Lorenzo Maso
Panoramic Green Space Framed by Steel and Black Locust Slats

Project in-detail

Framed by black locust slats and enhanced by a panoramic terrace, the Kurgi Observation Tower serves as a community hub that encourages engagement with the natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Framed entirely with black locust slats for enhanced sustainability.
02
Includes a panoramic terrace that prioritizes user engagement with the landscape.
03
Designed with a steel bearing structure for flexible internal configurations.
04
Incorporates energy-efficient rock wool insulation to improve thermal performance.
05
Features a combination of internal wood finishes and external black panels for contrast.

The Kurgi Observation Tower, known as the Green Fibonacci Tower, is located in an area that offers broad views of the surrounding landscape. It serves as both an observation point and a community space for visitors. The design highlights a connection to nature and creates an open environment where people can gather and enjoy their surroundings.

Design Concept
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The main characteristic of the tower is its panoramic terrace, which invites visitors to take in the sights from a higher vantage point. This feature not only enhances the experience of observing the landscape but also encourages social interaction. The internal layout of the tower allows for easy movement and accessibility, with both stairs and an elevator seamlessly incorporated into the design.

Materiality
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Materials used in the Kurgi Observation Tower play a significant role in its overall structure and appearance. Black locust slats add to the visual appeal while ensuring sustainability. The steel bearing structure gives the building the necessary strength to support various configurations, contributing to a modern look that is both functional and visually appealing.

Sustainability Features
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Energy efficiency is a key consideration in this design. Rock wool insulation improves thermal performance, making the building comfortable year-round. The multilayer wooden load-bearing panels add durability and strength. The use of airtight shoots and fiberglass insulation helps in conserving energy, aligning with contemporary practices focused on sustainability.

Structural Details
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The combination of internal wood finishes and external black panels creates a cohesive and balanced appearance. Safety is addressed through glass railings, which offer protection while keeping the views unobstructed. T-shaped steel anchors, along with secondary and primary steel beams, provide crucial support, allowing for the tower's unique architectural shape.

The design integrates green spaces, inviting visitors to engage with the natural environment. This thoughtful layout emphasizes both function and environmental awareness, ensuring that the Kurgi Observation Tower is a meaningful addition to its landscape.

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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
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