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Triangular Façade of Aluminum and Concrete Supporting Community Vantage Points

Authors:
Loren Johnson, Catherine Varnas
Triangular Façade of Aluminum and Concrete Supporting Community Vantage Points

Project in-detail

Constructed with concrete and an aluminum triangular façade, the tower offers elevated vantage points for an engaging experience while serving as an observation area and habitat for local birds.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade design is inspired by traditional Latvian textile patterns, featuring varied opacity.
02
Viewing platforms are strategically placed to enhance the user experience as visitors ascend.
03
Voids in the façade provide nesting opportunities for local bird species.
04
The core structure utilizes concrete for stability, supporting the lightweight façade.
05
Exposed aluminum elements create a modern contrast to the traditional motifs.

The Woven Tower stands in the beautiful landscapes of Latvia, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage and its connections to textile craftsmanship. Serving as both an observation point for visitors and a habitat for local birds, the design reflects the art of weaving. It captures the essence of this traditional process and translates it into a modern form that invites exploration and interaction.

Structural Framework

The core of the Woven Tower is the key to its stability and strength. This central part supports the diverse façade, which is inspired by traditional Latvian textile patterns. The façade design incorporates triangular shapes that vary in opacity, creating a visually interesting surface that reacts to natural light throughout the day. The interplay of light and shadows adds depth to the structure.

User Experience

Visitor experience is an important focus of the design. Multiple viewing platforms are integrated into the tower, allowing different perspectives as one ascends. Each level presents new opportunities to appreciate the surrounding landscape. The openings in the façade frame views and offer nesting spaces for birds, blending ecological elements with the structured environment.

Materials and Detailing

Concrete is used for the core and floor slab, providing the necessary durability for the tall structure. Exposed aluminum serves as an important aspect of the façade's design, contrasting with the traditional patterns. This choice of materials fosters a connection between contemporary architecture and historical references, strengthening the project's cultural narrative.

The façade's triangular patterns create a rich visual texture, casting shifting shadows that change with the time of day. As visitors move through the tower, the relationship between light and structure emphasizes a connection with nature. This careful design blurs the boundaries between the man-made structure and the organic environment, enriching the overall experience.

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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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