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Wrapping Skin And Local Stones Enriching Vertical Ascent In The Landscape

Authors:
Kristian Hager, Ian Kienbaum
Wrapping Skin And Local Stones Enriching Vertical Ascent In The Landscape

Project in-detail

The twisting skin of local stones guides visitors on a vertical ascent, creating a reflective space that harmonizes with the Latvian landscape while serving as a gathering point for observation and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure's skin twists to create dynamic views throughout the ascent.
02
Local stones provide a tactile connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
The vertical journey emphasizes important visual moments of the countryside.
04
An inviting top space encourages reflection and engagement with nature.
05
The design balances transparency and enclosure using a wrapping screen.

The 100 Step Tower is located in the Latvian countryside and serves as a gathering point for visitors. Its design emphasizes a strong connection to the landscape while encouraging contemplation and interaction. A twisting and wrapping skin forms the structure, inviting people to climb upwards and engage with both nature and their own thoughts.

Architecture Concept

The tower's vertical form is designed to enhance views of the surrounding area, including nearby horses and the farmstead. This focus on the environment enriches the experience for visitors, making the journey as important as the destination. The space functions both as an observation point and a place for reflection, inviting individuals to connect with their surroundings.

Materials

Material choice plays an important role in the project. Local stones are used for construction, helping to tie the structure to its setting. This selection of materials fosters a sense of belonging within the landscape. The wrapping screen adds an interesting element, balancing openness and enclosure as visitors move upward.

Experiential Journey

The vertical journey within the tower is carefully designed to provide a unique experience. As people ascend, there are moments embedded in the design that encourage visitors to stop and take in the beauty of their surroundings. Each pause draws attention to elements of the landscape, allowing for a deeper interaction with nature that unfolds throughout the climb.

At the top of the tower, a warm and inviting space awaits visitors. It offers a place to pause, reflect, and enjoy panoramic views of the Latvian countryside. This area serves as a fitting conclusion to the ascent, enhancing the connection to the natural world that the journey has fostered.

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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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