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Rammed Earth Observation Tower Seamlessly Integrating with Nature

Authors:
Sander Wallays, Lara Winderickx
Rammed Earth Observation Tower Seamlessly Integrating with Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed from rammed earth, the observation tower integrates with the surrounding ecology, offering visitors immersive views and a space for connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from locally sourced rammed earth.
02
Features three hollow cores to enhance accessibility and spatial experience.
03
Designed to provide framed views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Includes an insect hotel encouraging local biodiversity.
05
Adjacent natural pond supports wildlife and recreational use.

The Kurgi Observation Tower stands as an engaging structure in a natural landscape that encourages exploration and interaction. With a design that adapts to its surroundings, the tower responds to changes in light, temperature, and gravity. It functions both as an observation point and a retreat, inviting visitors to actively connect with nature in a thoughtful way.

Conceptual Framework

The main idea behind the design is to be dynamic and responsive. The architecture invites people to interact with their environment, transforming each visit into a unique experience. This non-static nature fosters a deep connection between the structure and the landscape, allowing visitors to engage with the surroundings as they move through the space.

Structural Composition

Local rammed earth is the primary material used in construction. This choice not only offers strength but also supports sustainable practices. The thick walls help regulate temperature, making the building energy efficient. Additionally, these walls create habitats that support local plants and animals, showing a commitment to preserving local ecosystems.

Spatial Experience

Three hollow cores make up the building: one for an elevator, another for stairs, and a third for various functions. This arrangement improves accessibility while providing a smooth flow through the tower. As visitors ascend, they encounter framed views of the landscape, creating a series of experiences that prompt reflection and wonder. Each level offers a distinct perspective, inviting exploration.

Visitor Amenities

Amenities are thoughtfully included to improve the visitor experience. The elevator provides access to all levels, while the spiral staircase offers a visually engaging way to move upward. On the ground floor, features such as a sauna and an insect hotel with an observation area encourage connection with local wildlife. At the top, arrows in the concrete guide visitors to nearby landmarks, enriching their connection to the environment.

The highest point of the tower reveals a 360-degree view, allowing visitors to take in the expansive landscape. This area encourages them to pause, observe, and truly appreciate the beauty of nature surrounding them, highlighting the relationship between the built environment and the natural world.

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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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