Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Transparent Steel Frame Tower Integrating Natural Greenery and Wood Finish

Author:
Bariş Kildiş
Transparent Steel Frame Tower Integrating Natural Greenery and Wood Finish

Project in-detail

A transparent steel frame tower, designed to blend with its natural surroundings through integrated terraces and wood finishes, invites visitors to engage with the landscape while providing an observatory function.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transparent design allows for uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Terraces provide interactive spaces that encourage visitor engagement with nature.
03
Steel frame construction supports the lightweight, open aesthetic of the tower.
04
Natural wood finishes enhance the sensory connection to the environment.
05
Dual functionality as both observatory and subject encourages reflection.

The design is set in a vibrant landscape that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The main feature is a tower that invites people to observe the scenery while also being a part of it. The concept is rooted in the relationship between the structure and the environment, where the tower stands as a landmark that encourages exploration and reflection.

Framing Perspective

The tower serves two purposes: it is a vantage point and an object within the landscape. Visitors can experience it both as a destination and an integral part of their surroundings. Its transparent design allows unobstructed views, offering varied perspectives that enhance the way people engage with the space. This interaction encourages a deeper appreciation for both the architecture and the natural features around it.

Interaction with Nature

The design promotes a close connection with nature. Incorporating terraces makes the tower more interactive, allowing people to move through and engage with the environment. These additional levels create moments where visitors can not only view the landscape but also become part of it. This back-and-forth between the observer and the observed fosters a richer experience of the site.

Material Integration

Materials used in the tower include a steel frame, steel carcass, and wood finish. These choices contribute to the structure's strength while maintaining a light and open feel. The combination of steel's industrial nature and the warmth of wood enhances both the visual and tactile qualities of the design. It ties the architectural elements to the surroundings, providing a physical reminder of the natural context.

The attention to detail can be seen in the way the terraces extend the experience of the tower. These elements offer varied viewpoints and encourage movement, enhancing the relationship between the visitor, the tower, and the landscape.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy