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Tapered Steel Decks Overlooking Expansive Views in a Natural Landscape

Authors:
Parantap Patel, Bhavya Kawat, Purvij Munshi, Vatsal Shah
Tapered Steel Decks Overlooking Expansive Views in a Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

Tapered steel decks provide expansive views above the arid landscape, creating an observatory that promotes engagement with nature through accessible design and thoughtful observation spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tapered decks enhance visual access to the surrounding landscape.
02
Central spiral staircase provides fluid movement between levels.
03
Steel framework minimizes visual obstruction, creating a light appearance.
04
Accessible ramp ensures inclusivity for all visitors.
05
Porous structure maximizes views and interaction with the environment.

Vibrant Rings represents a blend of observatory and promenade set in an arid landscape marked by sparse vegetation and water features. The design rises to a height of 9 meters, featuring three tiers that provide visitors with 360-degree views of the surrounding area. The concept focuses on creating a connection between the observer and nature, allowing for enriching experiences that highlight the beauty of the outdoors.

Design and Functionality

The tiers of the structure create a flowing form that encourages movement through the space. Access to the first deck is offered through a gently sloping ramp, ensuring that everyone can easily enter. Visitors can move between levels via a central spiral staircase. Each deck is designed for comfort, allowing for engagement with the views while providing ample space for observation.

Materiality and Structure

Steel columns serve as the main support for the building, working together with stringers that uphold the circular decks. This structural approach minimizes visual barriers, helping the observatory blend into its environment. Wooden planks are added to the design, enhancing the tactile experience and creating a link to the natural world.

Environmental Integration

Thoughtful consideration of the landscape plays a large role in the design. The various levels provide shaded spots, encouraging visitors to explore and connect with the area. The structure’s open design maximizes visibility, reinforcing the relationship between the building and the land it occupies.

As visitors ascend through the tiers, they discover different perspectives of the landscape, which change with each level. Each deck presents a space for quiet reflection, reinforcing the relationship between the structure and the natural surroundings. These design details invite individuals to truly appreciate their environment as they navigate through the observatory.

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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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