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Spiral Observation Platform Constructed with Sustainable Timber and Steel Integration in Natural Landscape

Authors:
Laura Baiwir, Daniel Martín hernandez
Spiral Observation Platform Constructed with Sustainable Timber and Steel Integration in Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with a spiraled form of sustainable timber and steel, the observation platform enhances ecological awareness while providing elevated views within the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a spiraled pathway to enhance visitor engagement with the surrounding ecology.
02
Incorporates a combination of sustainable timber and steel for structural integrity and aesthetics.
03
Features various observation platforms at different heights, providing unique views of local wildlife.
04
Designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape to minimize environmental impact.
05
Utilizes mesh elements for safety while maintaining visibility and connection to the environment.

## Overview
Located in Pope Nunal Park, Latvia, the design of Spiralis seeks to enrich the interaction between visitors and the surrounding natural environment. By emphasizing the themes of ascent and connection, the structure integrates human activity with the park’s diverse wildlife and flora. The architectural form is conceived as a journey that facilitates exploration, inviting visitors to engage with their surroundings at various heights and perspectives.

## Spatial Strategy
The spiraled structure serves as both a physical and metaphorical pathway, reflecting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human experience. Visitors progress through a series of elevated platforms connected by winding walkways, enabling them to engage with different vantage points and create an immersive observational experience. This design fosters curiosity and allows for a deeper understanding of the relationship between architecture and nature.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Key materials have been selected for their sustainability and aesthetic quality. The design incorporates wood for walkways and platforms, providing warmth and a tactile connection to the environment. Steel is utilized in the structural framework for stability, while mesh or netting enhances safety without obstructing views, maintaining a dialogue with the landscape. Select glass elements are included to introduce transparency and light, further promoting the connection to nature. The overall design respects and blends with the existing ecological context, prioritizing environmental sensitivity and conservation.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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