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Perforated Corten Towers Embracing Nature in Latvia

Author:
Samuel Hervault
Perforated Corten Towers Embracing Nature in Latvia

Project in-detail

With perforated corten steel facades that echo the hues of Baltic amber, the observation towers enhance the visitor experience by offering discreet views of the surrounding Latvian nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Perforated facades allow for unobtrusive wildlife observation.
02
Corten steel facades reflect the colors of amber found along the coast.
03
Timber construction draws from traditional Latvian building methods.
04
Located in a vast parkland, enhancing the visitor's connection to nature.
05
Design promotes ecological sensitivity and minimal environmental disruption.

The Pape-Bird Amber Observation Towers are situated in Latvia, a country known for its rich natural landscapes, which include forests, lakes, and a beautiful coastline along the Baltic Sea. The design focuses on harmonizing the structures with the environment while providing spaces for people to observe nature closely. Visitors are invited to explore and appreciate the local wildlife, experiencing the tranquility of the surrounding park.

Architecture Concept

The towers are designed in a way that emphasizes their relationship with the landscape. Their forms are bold yet simple, enabling them to blend with the natural surroundings. By being placed in the midst of nature, the structures create an opportunity for visitors to connect with their environment. Each tower encourages moments of reflection and engagement, allowing people to immerse themselves in the beauty of the landscape.



Material Selection

Timber is the primary material used in construction, reflecting the traditional building methods found in many Latvian rural areas. This choice reinforces the link between the structures and the local environment. Corten steel is also utilized in the facades, chosen for its earthy colors that resemble amber fragments commonly found along the coastline. Together, these materials ground the towers in their cultural context.



Functional Design

The towers feature perforated facades that allow for quiet observation. This design aspect caters to photographers and nature lovers, offering unobtrusive views of the landscape and its inhabitants. By enhancing functionality while maintaining an appealing look, the design encourages a respectful interaction with the ecology surrounding the towers.



The towers’ forms rise naturally from the landscape, echoing the colors and textures of the environment, creating a setting that draws attention to the connection between architectural structure and nature.

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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
competition now

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