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Seasonally Responsive Observatory Tower Utilizing Carbon Fiber and Reinforced Concrete

Author:
Witold Jerzy Gilewicz
Seasonally Responsive Observatory Tower Utilizing Carbon Fiber and Reinforced Concrete

Project in-detail

Constructed with carbon fiber and reinforced concrete, the observatory tower seamlessly integrates accessibility and seasonal ecology, inviting all visitors to experience the surrounding landscape from a contemplative viewpoint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to adapt to seasonal changes, enhancing visitor experience throughout the year.
02
Features a spiral design that integrates seamlessly into the natural terrain for an immersive ascent.
03
Incorporates carbon fiber for lightweight structural integrity while ensuring durability.
04
Designed with a focus on accessibility, allowing individuals of all abilities to reach the viewpoint.
05
Utilizes natural flora to create a dynamic internal environment that changes with each season.

## Project Overview

Vedetta, located in a region characterized by its seasonal transitions, features an observatory tower designed with a strong focus on accessibility and environmental sensitivity. The intent of the design is to offer an engaging viewing experience while accommodating visitors of all abilities, particularly those with mobility challenges. The architecture strategically integrates natural elements and aesthetics, ensuring that the structure complements its dynamic surroundings.

## Accessibility Intent

A fundamental aspect of the design is the elongated path leading to the observation point, deliberately avoiding barriers commonly encountered by individuals with disabilities. This pathway is shaped to harmonize with the landscape, providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. By prioritizing accessibility from the outset, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can facilitate engagement with both architecture and nature.

## Seasonal Integration

The tower's architecture responds to the seasonal variations of the site. Its internal environment draws inspiration from the lifecycle of creeping vines, reflecting the vibrancy of nature throughout the year. By selecting flora that adapts with the seasons, the design not only enhances the aesthetic experience but also promotes a delicate balance with the surrounding ecosystem. This approach highlights the project's commitment to ecological responsiveness while ensuring visual interest in the structure's design.

## Materiality

The materials selected for Vedetta prioritize both structural performance and environmental impact. Reinforced concrete provides stability at the entrance, while carbon fiber contributes lightweight support within the tower. Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light and scenic views, pivotal to the observatory's function. Natural vines and creepers add ecological value, further aligning the structure with its environment, while the application of eco-friendly coatings minimizes environmental footprint. Additionally, insulating materials are incorporated to enhance occupant comfort throughout the seasons.

## Design Phases

The design process is organized into four key phases, each focusing on specific aspects of construction.

- **Foundation and Entry**: The project begins with a solid foundation, accommodating an inclusive entrance equipped with an elevator for individuals with mobility challenges.

- **Ground Level Structure**: This phase emphasizes the connection between the tower and its landscape, introducing a carbon fiber sleeve that supports stability while enhancing visual cohesion.

- **Structural Integrity**: The use of a spiral sleeve and lenticular braces during this phase addresses the necessity for strength against environmental forces while ensuring aesthetic fluidity.

- **Finalization and Detailing**: The final phase involves a specialized chemical treatment to enhance the exterior's durability, reflecting a commitment to blending structural resilience with environmental integration.

## Unique Aspects of the Project

### Ecological Responsiveness

The observatory's design accentuates its relationship with the surrounding ecology by incorporating plant species that react to the seasonal changes, bolstering local biodiversity and enhancing visual appeal.

### Inclusive Architecture

The project embodies an inclusive philosophy, with careful attention paid to accessibility features that facilitate engagement with the environment, ensuring that all visitors can experience the natural beauty of the area.

### Innovative Structural Techniques

Advanced materials such as carbon fiber are employed alongside a spiraling design, offering solutions to structural challenges while contributing to a refined aesthetic quality. This integration of innovation reinforces the building's stability and functionality within its natural context.

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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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