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Transparent Structure Fostering Community Connection and Conservation Education

Authors:
Hosein Mosavi, Ali Jamali, Shayan Adham, maryam baharvandi
Transparent Structure Fostering Community Connection and Conservation Education

Project in-detail

A transparent structure designed for community interaction and education, the Kurgi Tower integrates seamlessly with its landscape, promoting awareness of local conservation efforts and the endangered Kurgi horse.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a low-slope ramp, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.
02
The exhibition area is dedicated to the endangered Kurgi horse, promoting local conservation efforts.
03
The tower's transparency maximizes natural light while connecting visitors to the surrounding landscape.
04
Climate-responsive strategies reduce energy consumption and ensure year-round comfort within the structure.
05
User interactivity is prioritized, allowing for a direct engagement with both the architecture and nature.

The Kurgi Tower is located in Latvia, designed as a structure that combines ecological understanding with community involvement. It serves not just as a viewing point but also as an educational space focused on the Kurgi horse, an endangered local species. The overall design promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to engage with nature while fostering an appreciation for the environment.

Design Concept

The idea behind Kurgi Tower centers on transparency, allowing open views of the natural environment. This approach challenges the traditional design of tall structures by focusing on visibility and accessibility. The tower integrates with the local landscape, creating a space where architecture and nature coexist, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Spatial Configuration

Inside the tower, the layout is carefully planned to support both individual and group activities. Various spaces are organized to promote social interaction and community engagement. The design allows for exhibitions about the Kurgi horse, along with areas for gathering. This versatility encourages visitors to connect not only with the building but also with each other and the surrounding landscape.

Climate Response

The design takes into consideration the local climate to ensure comfort throughout the year. By studying weather patterns, the architects placed the tower to shield it from strong winds while capturing sunlight. This not only provides a pleasant environment for visitors but also aligns with goals for sustainability, helping to reduce energy consumption and support ecological balance.

Exhibition and Interaction

The ground floor is dedicated to exhibitions that highlight the significance of the Kurgi horse and offer opportunities for direct interaction with these animals. This element of the design fosters a deeper understanding of conservation and environmental protection. By blending educational experiences with functional space, the tower enhances the visitor experience and promotes greater awareness of the local ecosystem.

Low-slope ramps guide movement throughout the building, reflecting a commitment to accessibility. This thoughtful design feature encourages exploration and interaction. The Kurgi Tower stands as an invitation to discover the beauty of the local environment, creating a space where people can learn and connect with the natural world around them.

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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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