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Transparent Transitions and Panoramic Views Enhanced by Lexan and Concrete

Author:
Leonid Emdin
Transparent Transitions and Panoramic Views Enhanced by Lexan and Concrete

Project in-detail

Constructed with a combination of transparent Lexan and reinforced concrete, the observation tower offers visitors sweeping views and a multi-functional guest house, set within a landscape designed to enhance the connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a combination of transparent Lexan and reinforced concrete for improved durability and visibility.
02
The design incorporates four intermediate viewing platforms that enhance interaction with the surrounding landscape.
03
Transitional areas feature glass floors and railings to create a sense of openness and connectivity.
04
Green spaces envelop the balcony, visually integrating the tower with its natural environment.
05
The guest house is equipped with essential amenities, allowing for extended visitor stays and nighttime use.

The Kurgi Observation Tower is designed to enhance the experience of observing the surrounding environment. Located in a carefully selected area, the tower serves as a viewing point that allows visitors to engage with expansive views. The design combines two main structural volumes, focusing on the relationship between observation platforms and vertical circulation spaces that connect them to the ground.

Design Concept

The overall structure features a square volume for the observation platforms and a circular volume for vertical communication. This separation creates a noticeable contrast between the two shapes and supports both functional use and visual interest. The upper observation deck, which includes a small guest house and a balcony, is the main element of the design and aims to maximize the connection to the outside landscape.

Connectivity and Experience

Transparent transitions link the two volumes and use glass floors and railings to create a sense of openness. Visitors can easily move between the different parts of the tower, taking in views from various angles. The vertical circulation includes a staircase and a panoramic elevator with a transparent cabin. This design choice allows for an engaging experience, as users enjoy the scenery while moving up and down.

Functional Spaces

The design incorporates smaller intermediate viewing platforms that add to the variety of experiences available to visitors. Surrounding green spaces help to connect the upper platform to the surrounding environment. Glazed walls at eye level in the intermediate floors promote comfort and foster a connection to the outside. The guest house is equipped with essential amenities, such as an entrance hall, dressing room, shower, and kitchenette, ensuring functionality is a key aspect of the design.

Structural Integrity

A solid foundation of reinforced concrete slabs and piles provides stability to the tower. The framework is made of metal, which contributes to a lightweight but sturdy configuration. This structural choice supports the various forms of the building while addressing environmental factors.

The walls of the upper deck gently extend towards the balcony, creating a continuous transition that invites visitors to explore the panoramic views, allowing the landscape to interact with the architecture in a thoughtful manner.

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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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