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Revealing Views Through Steel Fin Structures in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Michelle Lazar, Matthew Sweig, Emily McKenna, Tupac Espinoza
Revealing Views Through Steel Fin Structures in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

A pinched passage defined by steel outcrops and sequential fins offers an experiential transition into the natural landscape while facilitating pedestrian movement within Gaujаs Nacionālais Parks.
5 key facts about this project
01
A pinched passage design narrows the perspective to enhance user focus.
02
Sequential steel fins create dynamic sightlines and direct movement.
03
Integrated wayfinding serves to guide visitors through the park.
04
Adjacent plazas promote social interaction and pause points for visitors.
05
The design emphasizes a gradual reveal of the surrounding landscape.

The design for Gaujаs Nacionālais Parks features a gateway bridge that interacts thoughtfully with its setting. Located within the national park, it serves both as a passage and as a notable feature that guides entrance into the natural surroundings. The bridge’s design emphasizes the experience of those who traverse it, weaving a narrative that connects visitors with the landscape.

Conceptual Framework

A pinched passage characterizes the bridge, narrowing the viewer's perspective as they approach. This design choice creates a focal point that invites reflection. As visitors move forward, they are gradually introduced to the landscape, enhancing their connection to the environment. The manipulation of sightlines enriches the experience as each step reveals a new view.

Structural Elements

Steel serves as a primary component of the bridge, with outcrops and sequential fins defining the passageway. These steel features provide necessary support while also creating plazas on either side. The plazas encourage social interaction and offer spaces for pause. Visitors can gather, rest, or simply enjoy the surroundings before continuing on their way.

Wayfinding Integration

Wayfinding information is cleverly integrated into the steel fins. This practical aspect helps guide visitors to various destinations in the park. The wayfinding system supports navigation and strengthens the bridge’s role as a connector within the landscape. It fosters a more enjoyable exploration of the park, allowing users to feel oriented and informed.

The bridge operates as both a functional pathway and a distinct feature of the park. Its design encourages engagement with the landscape, highlighting a careful balance between structure and nature. The visitor experience becomes a thoughtful journey, marked by intentional spaces that promote connection and interaction in Gaujаs Nacionālais Parks.

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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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