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Spiral Structure Featuring Timber Logs and Steel Grates Offering Elevated Community Interaction

Authors:
Cole Johnson, Nina Martineck
Spiral Structure Featuring Timber Logs and Steel Grates Offering Elevated Community Interaction

Project in-detail

Constructed with timber logs and steel grates, the spiral observation tower offers an engaging experience of Kurgi Farm’s landscape while ensuring accessibility for all visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
The observation tower incorporates a spiral ramp design to facilitate accessibility for all visitors.
02
Steel grates are utilized in the structure to promote effective drainage while maintaining unobstructed views.
03
Timber logs provide a natural aesthetic, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape while ensuring structural integrity.
04
The observation deck features an innovative slanted roof design to prevent snow accumulation during winter.
05
A suspended balcony extends from the main structure, enhancing the experience of engagement with the outdoor environment.
The architectural project, known as TORTILE, emerges as a thoughtful addition to the natural fabric of the Kurgi Farm landscape, designed primarily as an observation tower. This structure represents an exploration of space and community interaction, serving as both an engaging landmark and an inclusive public venue. The primary function of TORTILE is to provide visitors with an elevated perspective of the surrounding environment, enhancing their interaction with nature and allowing for moments of reflection amid the scenery.

TORTILE employs a distinctive spiral design that fosters a dynamic experience as users ascend through the structure. This upward journey is facilitated by two carefully crafted ramps. One ramp follows a more compact and intimate path, providing an immersive experience through the carefully arranged tilted columns, while the other offers a more gradual incline suitable for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. The design underlines a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that every individual can partake in the experience.

At the top of the spiral configuration lies the observation deck, which acts as a crucial component of the project. This expansive platform is equipped with integrated seating arrangements allowing visitors to comfortably appreciate the panoramic views of Kurgi Farm and its surroundings. The deck is designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural environment, ensuring that observers feel connected to the landscape from this elevated position.

Another essential aspect of TORTILE is its roof, which is ingeniously inclined at a 30-degree angle. This thoughtful design consideration is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, as it prevents the accumulation of snow during winter months, thereby maximizing accessibility year-round. Adding to its unique characteristics is a suspended balcony that extends from the main observation area, offering an opportunity for direct engagement with the outdoors. This feature enhances the overall experience, evoking a sense of lightness and interaction with the landscape below.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project’s architecture. The team employed fitted metal plating for the circulation paths, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance, especially during harsh weather conditions. Steel grates contribute to structural integrity and effective drainage, while also providing unobstructed views through their airy composition. The use of timber planks and logs throughout the observation deck fosters a warm and inviting environment that resonates with the natural aesthetics of the surrounding area. Furthermore, sliding glass doors facilitate effortless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, promoting a seamless connection to the landscape.

What sets TORTILE apart from traditional observation towers is its unique approach to creating an inclusive experience, highlighting a holistic view of architecture as a medium for interaction and community building. The spiral form not only challenges conventional notions of space but also encourages exploration and discovery as visitors navigate their way upwards. This innovative design approach reflects a broader understanding of the relationship between structure and landscape, providing a clear pathway for engagement with the environment.

TORTILE stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design that prioritizes user experience and environmental harmony. Its unique form and functional elements encourage visitors to embrace a deeper connection with Kurgi Farm and its surrounding nature. For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas will provide further insights into the careful considerations embedded within the architectural narrative of TORTILE.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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