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Spiral Ascent in Baltic Timber Within a Cultural Landscape

Author:
Adela Ho
Spiral Ascent in Baltic Timber Within a Cultural Landscape

Project in-detail

Elevated by a spiral pathway and constructed from Baltic timber, the observation tower integrates cultural homage and ecological sensitivity, providing a unique vantage point for visitors to explore the landscape of Kemeri National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral ascent designed for universal accessibility.
02
Constructed entirely from locally sourced Baltic timber.
03
Cultural homage to early 20th-century Latvian avant-garde art.
04
Encourages ecological awareness through its natural integration.
05
Provides panoramic views of the diverse landscape of Kemeri National Park.

The observation tower proposed for Kemeri National Park is designed to blend with its natural environment. Located in a landscape shaped by an ancient sea, the tower offers a space for exploration and appreciation of the park's diverse ecology. Its design draws inspiration from the concept of coexistence with nature, resulting in a structure that resembles a towering tree, firmly placed in the ground.

Design and Accessibility

The architectural form promotes a sense of flow and connection. A spiral pathway allows visitors to ascend the tower easily. This feature enhances accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. By making the views accessible to everyone, the design encourages all visitors to engage with the natural surroundings.

Cultural Influence

The structure pays homage to Latvian avant-garde art, particularly the works of Gustav Klutsis and Vladimir Tatlin. The use of geometric shapes in the design reflects the vibrant energy of early 20th-century art movements. This connection adds depth to the structure, transforming it from a mere observation point into a cultural reference that highlights social issues.

Materiality and Sustainability

The primary material proposed for the tower is Baltic timber. This choice reinforces the connection to the local environment and promotes sustainability through the use of regional resources. By choosing materials that are sourced nearby, the design also reflects a responsible approach to working with nature.

The observation tower culminates in a spiral shape that echoes the surrounding landscape. It invites visitors to reflect on the beauty of Kemeri National Park while providing unique viewpoints of the area’s natural features.

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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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