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Spiral Observation Tower with Laminated Veneer Lumber in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Roman Leonidov, Sergey Tsarkov, Natalya Kharlamova
Spiral Observation Tower with Laminated Veneer Lumber in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Elevated at 12 meters, the spiral observation tower crafted from Laminated Veneer Lumber offers visitors a panoramic view of Al Wathba National Park while emphasizing accessibility and engagement with local wildlife.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated 12 meters, providing a 360-degree view of the park.
02
Incorporates a ramp for easy access, designed with an 8-degree incline.
03
Constructed with Laminated Veneer Lumber for quick installation and sustainability.
04
Features dedicated telescopes for wildlife observation along the pathway.
05
Unbreakable glass fence ensures safety without obstructing views.

The Flamingo Observation Tower stands within the expansive landscape of Al Wathba National Park in Abu Dhabi. Designed to enhance the experience of observing local wildlife, particularly flamingos, the tower offers an engaging viewpoint for visitors. The design centers on a pedestrian spiral, which invites guests to interact with the environment while enjoying sweeping views of the park.

Design Concept
The spiral form of the tower serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. Visitors ascend a gently sloping path that leads to an observation platform situated at a height of 12 meters. This elevation allows for a complete 360-degree perspective of the park's natural vistas, encouraging a meaningful connection between the structure and its surroundings.

Accessibility Features
Ensuring all visitors can enjoy the tower is a key aspect of the design. A ramp, built at an 8-degree angle, provides easy access for people with disabilities. Along the ramp, there are recreational spots designed for resting and observing the landscape. Central stairs allow for smooth travel to the observation platform, accommodating all guests with ease.

Structural Elements
The tower's stability is provided by Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) in its pylons. This material is chosen for its quick installation and minimal reliance on heavy machinery, which furthers sustainable building practices. The ability to reuse and recycle LVL also highlights a commitment to environmental responsibility in this construction project.

Safety Considerations
Safety is integrated into the design without detracting from the user experience. The observation area features an unbreakable glass fence that offers unobstructed views while keeping visitors secure. This detail creates a safe environment, allowing guests to focus on observing the wildlife and the surrounding nature without concern.

The combination of these design aspects results in a structure that invites exploration and observation, providing a functional space that harmonizes with the natural context it inhabits.

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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

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