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Transparent Steel and Wood Structure Embracing Marshland Views

Authors:
Nima Nian, Mohammad Beiglari
Transparent Steel and Wood Structure Embracing Marshland Views

Project in-detail

A transparent structure of steel and wood rises above Latvia's marshlands, offering expansive views while serving as an observation tower that fosters engagement with the surrounding biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features extensive use of glass to create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
02
It incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
03
The project includes four strategically placed lookout points for diverse views of local wildlife.
04
Innovative pathways integrate wood elements, enhancing visitor experience while promoting accessibility.
05
The bent A-frame design contributes to its stability while minimizing visual impact on the marshlands.

### Overview
The observation tower at Pape Nature Park, located in Latvia, aims to create a site for engagement with the surrounding ecology, focusing on the interaction between visitors and nature. The design integrates with the park's diverse ecosystem, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of its natural features while providing a contemplative space for users.

### Spatial Configuration
The observation tower is designed as a transparent structure composed of vertical and horizontal elements, centered around a primary observation point. This focal design leads visitors through the space, with strategically placed lookout points offering panoramic views of the park's landscape. Natural pathways enhance movement around the tower, promoting exploration. Niche areas, including a resting pod room, provide tranquil retreats, encouraging visitors to pause and engage with the environment. This organization fosters mindfulness and an active connection to the surrounding nature.

### Material Selection
The project emphasizes sustainable material choices that harmonize with the natural context. Utilized materials include:
- **Glass:** Extensively used to enhance transparency and connectivity with the environment.
- **Steel:** Provides structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight profile.
- **Wood:** Incorporated in pathways and resting areas for warmth and tactile experience.
- **Concrete:** Utilized for foundational support, ensuring durability.

This material palette not only strengthens the visual coherence of the structure with its landscape but also minimizes the ecological footprint, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

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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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