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Wooden Fins and Sustainable Steel Frame Enhancing Ecotourism Experience

Authors:
Gaetano Giordano, Emanuela Cammarata
Wooden Fins and Sustainable Steel Frame Enhancing Ecotourism Experience

Project in-detail

Employing wooden fins and a steel framework, the design integrates sustainability into its structure while providing observation terraces that enhance the ecotourism experience in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve.
02
Incorporates observation terraces for diverse landscape views.
03
Utilizes a steel framework for efficient prefabrication.
04
Features wooden fins allowing natural light penetration.
05
Integrates a rainwater collection system for sustainability.

The observation tower is designed as a rearing barn and is located within the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, supporting the existing Kurgi Farm. The design reflects both biocentric and anthropocentric principles, capturing elements of rural architecture that are characteristic of the area. The structure is integrated into the landscape, providing a space for observation that enhances the visitor experience.

Design Concept

The tower has a traditional appearance but rises vertically, tapering as it ascends. This design enhances its relationship with the natural surroundings. A permeable building envelope allows for the flow of natural light into the structure, creating a sense of openness. The wooden cladding serves as a means of illumination, inviting visitors to connect with both the interior space and the outdoor environment.

Spatial Experience

Accessibility is an essential part of the design, allowing visitors to move easily from the lowest to the highest levels using elevators and stairs. Each level features terraces that provide different views of the landscape, encouraging people to explore. These terraces are thoughtfully placed, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the scenery, promoting interaction with the natural world.

Material and Structural Composition

The structure employs a steel framework made of round columns and H beams, which offers both strength and efficiency in assembly. Wooden fins, sized at 40x120 mm, contribute to the overall transparency of the design while protecting the interior from the weather. Insulating sheets and rockwool insulation are included to improve energy efficiency, aligning with modern environmental standards.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a focus of the design. Solar panels are incorporated to generate energy, while a system for collecting rainwater channels into an underground tank for restroom use and a small kitchen. This attention to environmental impact supports the goals of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, allowing the facility to operate in concert with the surrounding ecosystem.

Light filters through the wooden cladding, creating dynamic patterns on the interior surfaces. This shifting illumination enhances the sensory experience, connecting visitors more deeply with the environment.

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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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