Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Parabolic Canopy of Timber Elevating Views in Latvia’s Green Landscape

Authors:
MATHIEU MORIT, LEA MARCHAL
Parabolic Canopy of Timber Elevating Views in Latvia’s Green Landscape

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a parabolic canopy formed from timber, creating an elevated platform that offers sweeping views of the natural landscape while inviting public engagement within Dabas Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design mimics a tree canopy, enhancing the connection with nature.
02
Multiple observation spots are strategically positioned for varied landscape views.
03
Timber elements are utilized to ensure sustainability and warmth in aesthetics.
04
The triangular geometry provides inherent stability and elegant form.
05
In situ concrete foundations offer robust support in a natural setting.

The Observation Tower at Dabas Park Pape in Latvia is designed to blend harmoniously with its natural environment. Set amidst lush greenery, the tower provides an elevated space for visitors, allowing them to connect with the landscape from above. The concept focuses on encouraging exploration and reflection, creating an experience that highlights the beauty of the surrounding area.

Structural Form

The tower features a triangular shape, chosen for its stability. This geometric form effectively distributes weight, ensuring the structure is strong and visually cohesive. Parabolic curves are incorporated into the design, optimizing weight distribution while enhancing the overall look of the tower. This structure not only serves its purpose but also adds a unique presence within the park, inviting people to engage with its form.



Circulation and Accessibility

Movement within the structure is carefully planned. The staircase combines curved and straight lines to provide an easy transition between different levels. This design encourages a natural flow, inviting visitors to navigate with ease. Each step offers an opportunity to experience the building and its environment, making the ascent both enjoyable and meaningful.



Material Choices

Timber is used prominently in the design, connecting the structure to its surroundings. The choice of timber supports a sustainable approach while providing warmth to the aesthetic. Additionally, in situ concrete is utilized for the foundations, ensuring stability against the elements. These materials work together to create a building that is secure and integrates well with the forest setting.



Observational Experience

At the top, the tower offers a platform that provides panoramic views of Dabas Park. This observation area allows visitors to take in the expansive landscape, fostering a sense of appreciation for nature. The roof is designed to resemble a tree canopy, enhancing the feeling of being part of the natural world. The thoughtful integration of these features creates a space where visitors can feel connected to the beauty around them.

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