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Zigzagging Pathway Embracing Steel and Glass in a Scenic Observation Tower

Authors:
Cristián Valdés, Felipe Quezada
Zigzagging Pathway Embracing Steel and Glass in a Scenic Observation Tower

Project in-detail

With a slender scaffolding structure that zigzags upward, the observation tower skillfully blends steel and glass to create a dynamic pathway, inviting visitors to explore panoramic views of the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Zigzag design enhances structural stability while creating engaging viewpoints.
02
Steel supports a lightweight presence that minimizes visual impact on the landscape.
03
Upper floors feature glass enclosures for unobstructed panoramic views.
04
Pathway design adapts to the topography, promoting interaction with the environment.
05
Illumination highlights the structure’s form after dark, enhancing navigational clarity.

The Kurgi Observation Tower stands apart as a thoughtful design that encourages visitors to engage with the landscape. Situated in an area that highlights its surroundings, the tower serves both as a viewpoint and a pathway. The overall concept invites those who ascend it to appreciate the journey as much as the final destination.

Structural Composition

The design features a vertical promenade supported by a slender, scaffolding-like skeleton. This structure is characterized by its lightweight appearance, allowing it to merge with the surrounding environment without imposing itself. At over 13 meters tall, the tower adopts a simple and practical form. It showcases a balance of strength and elegance, achieving a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Pathway Design

The pathway is a central element of the structure. It guides visitors from the ground to the peak while adapting to the local topography. Each turn and rise provides fresh perspectives of the landscape, enhancing the experience of ascent. The design encourages exploration, allowing individuals to connect with their surroundings in a meaningful way. Climbing becomes a form of discovery, steeped in interaction with the scenery at each level.

Materiality and Function

The materials selected for the tower play a vital role in its overall performance. Steel is utilized throughout the structural components, providing strength while also minimizing upkeep. The pathway is made of metal plates, which offers a unified look while ensuring stability. The upper floors are enclosed in glass, facilitating broad views of the surroundings and emphasizing the connection between the tower and the natural world.

Illumination Strategy

Lighting is another carefully considered aspect of the design. At night, the elements of the promenade are lit to draw attention to them and create a warm atmosphere. This approach cleverly hides the skeleton of the tower while highlighting the zigzagging shape of the pathway. The result is an inviting space that transforms as the sun sets, encouraging continued exploration even after dark.

The upper platform of the observation tower extends outward, allowing visitors to gaze over the landscape. This design detail enhances the connection to the environment, creating a space for reflection and appreciation of nature’s beauty. The Kurgi Observation Tower effectively combines function with a thoughtful design narrative, embodying a unique engagement with the surrounding area.

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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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