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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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