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Weathered Steel and Meshed Facades Shaping a Cultural Observation Landmark

Authors:
Manh Tran, Hoang anh Vo
Weathered Steel and Meshed Facades Shaping a Cultural Observation Landmark

Project in-detail

Corten steel panels and transparent metal mesh create a visually engaging observation tower that integrates Latvian cultural symbolism, inviting visitors to experience and reflect upon the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Made from weathered Corten steel, the tower’s façade evolves in appearance over time.
02
Metal mesh panels enhance visibility and airflow while providing structural stability.
03
Cultural symbols from Latvian Pagan traditions are integrated into the design to convey heritage.
04
Low-sloped ramps ensure accessibility throughout the observation levels of the tower.
05
Meditation spaces on upper platforms encourage quiet reflection amid panoramic views.
The Kurgi Observation Tower is an architectural project situated in Kurgi, Latvia. It serves as a sensory landmark that connects visitors with the surrounding natural landscape while incorporating elements of Latvian cultural heritage. The structure is designed not merely as an observation point but as an experiential journey, inviting users to engage with both the environment and the symbolic narratives represented within the tower.

Unique Features of Design
The primary form of the Kurgi Observation Tower is characterized by its tapering silhouette, which ascends from a substantial base to a narrower summit. This design optimizes views of the surrounding scenery while employing a range of innovative materials and construction techniques. Weathered Corten steel panels create a façade that is both durable and harmoniously integrated with the landscape, developing a unique patina over time. The use of metal mesh panels facilitates transparency, allowing for light penetration and unobstructed visual connections to nature.

The design incorporates specific motifs derived from Latvian Pagan symbols, including those representing Divus, Mara, and Jumis, which are etched into the façade. These motifs enhance the architectural narrative and establish a deeper connection to the site’s historical context. Additional features include low-sloped ramps that provide accessibility alongside conventional viewpoints. Meditation spaces located on the upper observation platforms cater to reflective experiences, reinforcing the tower's role as a contemplative space.

Functional Aspects
The Kurgi Observation Tower encompasses multiple levels, with observation platforms positioned at varying heights to offer diverse perspectives of the landscape. The total height of the tower reaches 33 meters, with platforms designed at specific elevations to create a progressive experience for visitors. Each level involves careful consideration of structural integrity, achieved through a robust supporting framework that both carries the load and contributes to the overall aesthetic of the design.

Attention to detail is evident in the attachment of the panels through J-clips, which allow for a layered visual effect while ensuring stability. The architectural planning incorporates both operational and experiential functions, enabling visitors to ascend comfortably and engage fully with the environment.

By utilizing a combination of innovative design approaches and traditional cultural references, the Kurgi Observation Tower distinguishes itself within the context of contemporary architecture. This project exemplifies the fusion of form, function, and cultural storytelling, inviting users to immerse themselves in both the natural world and the rich historical narratives that shape it. To explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas in greater detail, viewers are encouraged to review the project presentation for comprehensive insights.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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