Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Wooden Beams Forming a Vertical Journey Through Wetlands

Authors:
Ximena Joannon, Simón García, Patricio Lopez, Pablo Lozano
Wooden Beams Forming a Vertical Journey Through Wetlands

Project in-detail

Rising from the wetlands, the parametric wood structure creates a captivating ascent through transparent gaps that frame views of nature, serving as a distinctive landmark for exploration and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates flexible wooden modules that adapt to site conditions.
02
Positioned to enhance views of the surrounding wetlands, it promotes connection with nature.
03
Each section features gaps for framing natural light and landscape vistas.
04
The project utilizes a simple wood knot joint for easy assembly on-site.
05
The tower's ascent creates varied user experiences at different heights.

Cloud Tower Latvia is located in the serene wetlands of Latvia and is designed to provide visitors with a vertical experience that connects them with nature. The main idea is to lead people from the water level to a high viewpoint, allowing various interactions with the landscape along the way. The design invites exploration and offers a unique perspective of the environment.

Design Concept

The project focuses on a journey that encourages users to engage with different elements of their surroundings. Starting from the water’s edge, visitors will navigate through spaces that enhance their interaction with light, air, and nature. This gradual ascent helps create a sense of curiosity and reflection, as participants witness the changing landscape from each level of the tower.

Structural Composition

The tower is built using a parametric wood structure, consisting of modules created from six wooden beams each. This design makes it easier to assemble and transport, particularly in a challenging location. The wood knot joint feature offers flexibility, enabling the structure to adapt to different site conditions and user needs.

User Experience

The design includes strategic openings that frame views of the park, enriching the visitor experience. These gaps allow for moments of pause, encouraging visitors to appreciate the connection between the tower and the surrounding landscape. The lightweight design aims to minimize disruption, fostering a closer relationship with the natural environment.

Design Detail

At the top, Cloud Tower Latvia presents expansive views that create a feeling of openness and connection with the sky. The interaction of light and air at this height enhances the experience, serving as a reminder of the beauty of the wetlands below. The tower ultimately stands as a thoughtful addition to the landscape, allowing people to engage with nature in a meaningful way.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy