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Spiral Structure of Charred Wood Shingles Integrating Natural Landscapes for Observation and Recreation

Authors:
Mir ali Aidini, Laleh Reshad
Spiral Structure of Charred Wood Shingles Integrating Natural Landscapes for Observation and Recreation

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wood shingles and designed with a spiraling form, the structure seamlessly integrates observation and recreation within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a natural aesthetic.
02
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that optimizes structural stability and space efficiency.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.
04
Equipped with a rainwater collection system to enhance resource management and environmental sensitivity.
05
Designed with open ramps to ensure accessibility while providing immersive views of the surrounding landscape.

**Overview**
Located in Latvia's Kemeri National Park, the Nature Friendly Tower is designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing sustainability and the interaction between built environments and nature. The project's intent is to create a space where human presence and the natural world coexist, allowing visitors to engage with their environment across different levels of sensory experience.

**Spatial Engagement**
The design framework categorizes user experiences into three distinct interactions with nature: "on nature," "with nature," and "in nature." At ground level, the structure establishes a recognizable relationship with its surroundings. As visitors ascend, they increasingly connect with natural elements, culminating in a unique engagement at the tower's upper levels, where the complexities of the landscape become more pronounced. The spiral form of the structure supports this progression, offering uninterrupted views and directing movement through accessible open ramps, accommodating visitors of all abilities.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
The tower integrates sustainable materials that underscore its ecological ethos. Wood serves as the primary structural material, merging the building with its environment. Glass facades enhance natural light penetration and provide visual continuity between interior and exterior spaces. Naturally sourced concrete forms the building's base, ensuring stability while minimizing environmental impact. Steel reinforcements offer necessary durability, complementing the overall aesthetic. Additional sustainable features include a rainwater collection system and climate adaptation mechanisms designed to enhance airflow and thermal management, thereby optimizing energy efficiency. Multilevel perspectives throughout the tower create varied experiential opportunities tailored to the psychological needs of users, fostering both solitude and social interaction.

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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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