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Weathering Steel and Timber Structure Embracing Cultural Reflection in South Dakota

Authors:
Sergio Bianchi, Fiorella Campodonico Roy
Weathering Steel and Timber Structure Embracing Cultural Reflection in South Dakota

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathering steel and timber, the lookout point serves as a reflective space honoring Indigenous culture and promoting community gathering in the South Dakota landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with weathering steel panels that blend into the landscape over time.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that evokes the form of bison horns.
03
Incorporates a campfire area to encourage community storytelling and gatherings.
04
Includes an accessible elevator, promoting inclusivity for all visitors.
05
Utilizes a galvanized steel truss system for structural integrity and durability.

**Project Overview**
The Buffalo Nickel Lookout Point is an architectural installation situated in South Dakota, designed to reflect the relationship between Native Americans and the bison. Intended as both a functional structure and a site for contemplation, it serves as a connection point to nature and historical narratives. The design draws inspiration from the text "Black Elk Speaks," integrating themes of remembrance and reconciliation in a landscape that conveys both loss and potential for future coexistence.

**Architectural Form**
The structure's form is inspired by the silhouette of a stylized bison horn, resulting in a dynamic geometry that emphasizes movement and flight. This aesthetic choice not only creates visual interest but also serves practical functions such as shelter and observation. The lookout point is organized across multiple levels: the upper platform (+15.00m) offers panoramic views for quiet reflection; the lower platform (+9.00m) facilitates access to communal areas; and the campfire area (+3.50m) fosters social interaction through storytelling and gathering.

**Materiality and Structural Integrity**
Material choice plays a critical role in the identity of the installation. The façade features 5-inch thick weathering steel panels, symbolizing resilience and connecting to the historical narrative of Indigenous displacement. Structural stability is ensured through a galvanized steel truss system, which also contributes to an industrial aesthetic reflective of American expansion. The use of isolated fasteners and concealed connections maintains visual cohesion while supporting the timber-structured truss system, which adds a natural warmth to the experience. Accessible features, including an elevator, are integrated to promote inclusivity, reinforcing the community-oriented focus of the design.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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