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Timber Cylinders and Natural Light Create an Engaging Observation Platform in Latvia

Authors:
sylvain sousa, thomas sousa
Timber Cylinders and Natural Light Create an Engaging Observation Platform in Latvia

Project in-detail

Crafted from wooden cylinders and designed to harness natural light, the observatory tower facilitates immersive ecological observation while seamlessly integrating with the marshland landscape of Latvia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced wooden cylinders, enhancing sustainability.
02
Features specialized openings to optimize natural light and create dynamic shadow patterns.
03
Incorporates glass elements in the roof for unobstructed sky views.
04
Emphasizes community participation in the construction process.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the marshland landscape, promoting ecological engagement.

### Overview and Context
The Observatory Tower is situated in Grobina, Latvia, designed to provide an observational experience that engages with the region's natural landscape. The project aims to create a space for contemplation and exploration, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenic marshlands and expansive skies. Emphasizing a minimal environmental footprint, the design integrates seamlessly with its geographic context while fulfilling both functional and aesthetic purposes.

### Materiality and Structural Strategy
The primary construction material for the Observatory Tower is wood, chosen for its sustainability and aesthetic qualities. Central to the design are wooden cylinders, which form the main structure and create a visually dynamic façade that interacts with natural light and shadow throughout the day. The foundation utilizes timber piles to enhance stability and reduce ground impact. Wooden planks provide textured flooring throughout the observatory, while glass elements in the roof ensure unobstructed views of the surroundings. Compressed wood is also incorporated as both a visual and structural component.

### User Interaction and Environmental Integration
The observatory features aperture-like openings within the wooden cylinders that facilitate visitor engagement with the landscape, promoting active observation and interaction. Seating areas at various elevations encourage users to linger and immerse themselves in the environment. The design reflects natural forms, aligning with local flora such as grasses and reeds, which enhances the user's sensory experience. Natural light is maximized through the tower's circular form and the strategic arrangement of wooden elements, creating a welcoming atmosphere inside. Overall, the Observatory Tower serves not only as a viewing platform but also as a community space that fosters environmental education and appreciation.

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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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