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Ramp-Access Observation Tower Designed with Pine Wood and Waterproof Steel to Enhance Immersion in Natural Landscape

Authors:
Jo Yoonhoo, Shin Junsu
Ramp-Access Observation Tower Designed with Pine Wood and Waterproof Steel to Enhance Immersion in Natural Landscape
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With a gently sloping ramp and a structure crafted from pine wood and waterproof steel, the observation tower offers an accessible vantage point for visitors to immerse themselves in the unique ecosystems of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gently sloping ramp provides universal accessibility for all users.
02
Constructed with locally sourced pine wood to minimize environmental impact.
03
Integrates multiple observation points for diverse views of the landscape.
04
Employs waterproof steel to withstand the humid conditions of the bog environment.
05
Encourages tactile engagement with native mosses through its design.

**Location and Intent**
The Circle of Oblivion is situated within Kemeri National Park in Latvia, an area renowned for its expansive bog ecosystems and tranquil natural settings. The observation tower aims to facilitate a deeper engagement with the park's landscape, offering visitors a unique physical and sensory experience as they navigate through its design. The project's intention is to create a harmonious balance between visitor interaction and the preservation of the serene environment, addressing the challenges posed by increasing tourism.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and contextual integration. Pine wood forms the primary skin of the tower, allowing it to blend aesthetically with the surrounding natural environment. Waterproof steel is utilized for components exposed to moisture characteristics of the bogs, ensuring the structure's durability. Additionally, ramps with an anti-slip finish enhance safety and accessibility for all users, including those with mobility challenges. These elements reinforce the project’s focus on utilizing local, resilient materials that resonate with the ecological context.

**Spatial Strategy and User Experience**
The circular design of the observation tower promotes efficient circulation while offering varied experiences at multiple observation points. A gentle ramp system allows for a gradual ascent, reducing physical strain and enhancing accessibility. At the summit, an expansive observation deck provides panoramic views of the landscape, further encouraging a connection to the environment. Pathways lead to distinct viewing platforms, enabling visitors to engage with the park from different perspectives. The design also incorporates rest areas strategically placed along the routes, allowing visitors to pause and reflect on their surroundings, thereby strengthening their relationship with nature.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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