Tag Archives: Architecture

Award-Winning Sports Complex boasts a Badminton Racquet-inspired Grid Roof with Solar Panels

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In a stunning fusion of sport, sustainability, and striking design, MVRDV and Huayi Design have won the competition to create The Sweet Spot, a world-class sports complex in Shenzhen’s Pingshan district. Far from your average facility, this vibrant complex will house China’s National Badminton Training Centre, a public fitness hub, and a variety of commercial spaces. With an iconic rooftop shaped like the head of a badminton racket, The Sweet Spot is more than a nod to badminton, it’s a full-blown celebration of the sport and an architectural marvel in its own right.

Designer: MVRDV and Huayi Design

The Sweet Spot makes a bold statement before you even set foot inside. Towering over the complex is a 240-meter-long roof that mirrors the head of a badminton racket, complete with a grid-like structure resembling racket strings. This isn’t just for show: the roof is equipped with solar panels, generating clean energy for the complex. It’s a masterstroke of design that combines sustainability with visual impact, a perfect reflection of MVRDV’s commitment to eco-friendly architecture.

Jacob van Rijs, founding partner at MVRDV, puts it best: “The Sweet Spot isn’t just about creating a space for sport, it’s about celebrating badminton in a way that’s fun, accessible, and environmentally conscious. We’re thrilled to have hit the winning shot with this design!”

At the heart of the complex is a dynamic space where athletes and the public seamlessly coexist. The main building, which houses a professional arena and training courts, is linked by a T-shaped promenade that invites everyone to explore the facilities. This promenade leads to a central plaza, aptly named the sweet spot, designed to reflect the perfect hitting point on a badminton racket. It’s a playful yet fitting metaphor for the spirit of the project.

For athletes, privacy is a priority. Beneath the public promenade lies a lower ground level that connects the training spaces and arena, allowing athletes to move discreetly without mingling with the public. It’s a clever solution that balances public engagement with the specialized needs of professional sportspeople.

But the badminton-themed surprises don’t stop there. To the south of the arena, a striking 23-story tower tapers like a shuttlecock, housing hotel rooms on the lower levels and short-stay apartments for athletes above. This iconic tower is more than just an architectural statement, it’s designed with athletes’ privacy and convenience in mind, offering direct access to the private lower ground floor.

On the other side of the complex, two smaller commercial buildings echo the racket shape of the main arena, tying the whole design together with visual harmony. These buildings will serve visitors, creating a lively and cohesive atmosphere.

The sweet spot isn’t just a haven for professional athletes, it’s a gift to the people of Shenzhen. The park surrounding the complex features courts for badminton, basketball, and football, open to everyone from casual players to serious competitors. The west side boasts a massive stepped tribune where spectators can watch matches or just take in the surroundings, making the park as much a social hub as a sports venue.

A separate National Fitness Centre offers even more opportunities for exercise, housing additional badminton and tennis courts as well as a swimming center. With so many options, it’s clear that this complex isn’t just about elite athletes, it’s designed to foster a love for sport across the entire community.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Sweet Spot is how it extends beyond its original scope. MVRDV saw potential in the space beneath the nearby Pingyan Expressway flyover, transforming what could have been a forgotten stretch of land into a vibrant green corridor. Complete with a skate park, basketball courts, a running track, and a playground, this extension seamlessly connects The Sweet Spot to the larger Pingshan community, making the complex an even more integral part of the city.

Finally, The Sweet Spot relies on clean energy to operate, pointing at a strong sustainability bid. The solar-powered roof generates much of the energy needed to run the complex, and the design as a whole prioritizes energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. By integrating photovoltaic panels into the design of the badminton-racket-shaped roof, MVRDV has ensured that this isn’t just a sports complex of the present, it’s one being built for the future.

MVRDV and Huayi Design’s The Sweet Spot is an experience. With its playful badminton theme, athlete-first design, community-centered amenities, and a strong commitment to sustainability, this complex redefines what a sports facility can be. It’s a bold, energetic, and forward-thinking project that will leave a lasting impact on Shenzhen and beyond.

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Important Tips For Designing Your Tiny Home Based on Climate and Environment

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The appeal of tiny homes continues to rise as more people are drawn to the simplicity, affordability, and sustainability they offer. However, creating a cozy, functional, and lasting tiny home necessitates taking your local climate and environment into account. In this editorial, we’ll explore how to tailor your tiny home to thrive in various climates, offering practical design considerations for temperate, tropical, arid (desert), cold, and coastal environments. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, this article will guide you through what to prioritize to ensure your tiny home is both comfortable and efficient.

The environment where you plan to build isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a critical element that influences construction materials, design aesthetics, and long-term livability. A well-designed tiny home reflects thoughtful consideration of the climate, turning potential challenges into advantages. Whether you’re dealing with extreme temperatures, high humidity, frequent storms, or snowfall, your tiny home can be an oasis of comfort and functionality if built with the right principles in mind. Let’s dive into how to design your tiny sanctuary to harmonize with the environment you live in.

Tiny Home Tips for a Temperate (Mild) Climate

1. Effective Insulation: Keep it Cozy Year-Round

One of the best decisions you can make for a tiny home in a temperate climate is to invest in effective insulation. Think materials such as thermal insulation that can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures regardless of the season. Double-glazed windows are a game-changer. They help keep the heat out during summer and retain warmth in winter, making your tiny home’s energy consumption significantly lower.

2. Natural Light: Brighten Your Space Naturally

Maximizing natural light is another key consideration. Large windows and skylights can transform a small space into a bright, airy sanctuary. Light-colored interior finishes, such as white walls or pale wood flooring, help reflect sunlight, enhancing the overall sense of space. This is not just about aesthetics; natural light positively impacts mental health and reduces the need for artificial lighting, saving energy.

3. Seasonal Adaptability: Adjust Your Spaces with Ease

A temperate climate sees changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year. Designing flexible spaces or modular elements within your home can allow you to adjust your living conditions easily. Heating and cooling systems should be tailored for moderate variations, ensuring that your home remains comfortable through the seasons without significant energy expenditure.

4. Ventilation: Fresh Air Circulation

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality in your tiny home. Design your windows and vents to promote cross-ventilation, ensuring fresh air circulates freely. Ceiling fans or mechanical ventilation systems can supplement natural airflow, especially on those days when opening windows isn’t an option.

5. Sustainable Materials: Eco-Friendly Living

Choosing locally sourced, sustainable building materials not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports local businesses. Consider green roofs or walls, which can offer additional insulation and improve air quality, making your tiny home more eco-friendly and enjoyable to live in.

Tiny Home Tips for a Tropical (Humid) Climate

1. Moisture-Resistant Materials: Combat the Dampness

In tropical climates, dealing with high humidity and frequent rainfall is essential. Bamboo wood is a superb choice, as it is naturally resistant to moisture. Metals that don’t rust and mold-resistant paints and finishes will also extend the life of your home, reducing maintenance costs and efforts.

2. Ventilation: Natural Breezes to prevent that Musty Feeling

Strategic window placement and the use of louvers can help maximize airflow, keeping your home cool and dry. Elevated flooring is another effective strategy, allowing air to circulate underneath the house and preventing moisture build-up and that dank, musty feeling that you can often get from homes with the windows shut for too long.

3. Shading: Beat the Heat and Rain

To combat the relentless sun, incorporate overhangs and pergolas into your design. These elements protect against direct sunlight and rain, while light-colored and reflective roofing materials can reduce heat absorption, keeping the indoor spaces cooler.

4. Cooling Strategies: Passive Solutions to Stay Comfortable

Incorporate natural cooling techniques such as wide eaves and verandas, which shield your home from the sun while allowing breezes to flow through. Passive cooling systems, like roof ventilation or even small water features, can also play a significant role in keeping your tiny home comfortably cool.

5. Outdoor Living Spaces: Expand Your Living Area

Designing for outdoor living spaces in tropical climates not only expands your living area but also helps mitigate indoor heat. Equip these areas with weather-resistant furniture and fixtures, creating a comfortable and inviting addition to your tiny home.

Tiny Home Tips for an Arid (Desert) Climate

1. Thermal Mass: Regulate Temperature Naturally

In desert climates, the drastic temperature changes between day and night call for materials with high thermal mass, such as adobe or concrete. These materials absorb heat during the day and release it at night, helping to regulate your home’s temperature naturally.

2. Shade and Cooling: Keeping Cool in the Desert Heat

Incorporate shading devices like awnings and pergolas to reduce heat gain. Evaporative cooling systems, which use water to cool the air, can be incredibly effective in these dry climates, providing an energy-efficient means of temperature control.

3. Water Conservation: Make Every Drop Count

Water is a precious resource in arid environments. Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store what little rainfall you get. Low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling systems can help minimize water use, making your home more sustainable.

4. Solar Energy: Harness the Sun’s Power

Solar panels are a must in sun-drenched regions. With strategic placement, these panels can provide a significant portion of your home’s energy needs, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources and lowering bills.

5. Landscape Design: Drought-resistant and Beautiful

Opt for xeriscaping—a landscaping method that uses drought-resistant plants. This reduces the amount of water needed for gardening while still offering aesthetic benefits. Efficient irrigation solutions can further minimize outdoor water use, aligning your tiny home with sustainable living practices.

Tiny Home Tips for a Cold (Snowfall) Climate

1. Insulation and Heating: Stay Warm All Winter Long

For areas experiencing significant snowfall, proper insulation is paramount. Materials like spray foam or rigid foam board provide excellent thermal resistance. Efficient heating systems such as radiant floor heating or wood stoves can ensure your home remains warm and cozy.

2. Snow Load Consideration: Keep Your Roof Safe

Your roof should be designed to handle heavy snow loads. This typically means a steep pitch and possibly a metal roofing material to facilitate snow shedding, preventing structural damage.

3. Energy Efficiency: Keep the Cold Out and the Warmth In

Triple-glazed windows are an excellent investment in colder climates. They provide superior insulation, keeping the heat inside and cold air out. Pair these with energy-efficient appliances and fixtures to further reduce your energy consumption.

4. Weatherproofing: Shield Against the Elements

Sealing and weatherproofing are vital to prevent drafts and heat loss. Use durable, weather-resistant exterior cladding to protect your home from the elements, ensuring longevity and reduced maintenance.

5. Access and Safety: Ease Your Winter Woes

For those snowy winters, incorporating heated walkways or driveways can prevent ice build-up, making daily access safer. Design considerations should also include adequate storage for winter gear and provisions, ensuring that your tiny home remains functional during the cold months.

Tiny Home Tips for a Coastal Climate

1. Salt-Resistant Materials: Protect Against Corrosion

Living near the sea presents unique challenges, primarily due to salt. Choose materials like composites or treated wood that can withstand salt corrosion. Non-corrosive metals, such as stainless steel or aluminum, are also excellent options for fixtures and structural elements.

2. Elevated Design: Guard Against Flooding

An elevated structure helps prevent flooding and water damage, which are common issues in coastal areas. Sturdy foundations are necessary to withstand coastal storms and wave impact, ensuring the safety and durability of your tiny home.

3. Wind Resistance: Build to Withstand Strong Winds

To combat high winds, incorporate aerodynamic designs that reduce resistance. Reinforced structural elements, such as hurricane ties or braced frames, are critical in providing additional stability and safety.

4. Humidity Control: Maintain a Healthy Environment

Dehumidifiers or humidity control systems are essential in coastal climates. Proper ventilation is key to preventing mold and mildew growth, ensuring that your living space remains healthy and comfortable.

5. Views and Natural Light: Embrace the Scenic Beauty

One of the joys of coastal living is the view. Large windows and open layouts can maximize these ocean vistas, making your tiny home a serene retreat. Outdoor living spaces that blend seamlessly with the natural environment not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also expand your living area.

Designing a tiny home that harmonizes with its environment is an exercise in both creativity and practicality. The benefits are manifold: from increased comfort and efficiency to sustainability and aesthetic appeal. It requires a nuanced understanding of local climate challenges and opportunities. By using the right materials and design principles, you can create a tiny home that not only stands the test of time but also provides a sanctuary in harmony with nature.

Remember, your tiny home is more than just a place to live— it’s a reflection of your lifestyle and values. Whether you’re basking in the sun’s tropical warmth, savoring the tranquility of the coast, or enjoying the crisp air of a snowy landscape, your tiny home can be your personal oasis, thoughtfully designed for comfort and sustainability. So, as you embark on this journey, consider these tailored recommendations to make every square foot of your tiny home a testament to smart, climate-conscious design.

The post Important Tips For Designing Your Tiny Home Based on Climate and Environment first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Compact & Comfy Tiny Home With Two Bedrooms Is Easy On The Eyes & The Pocket

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Designed by Dragon Tiny Homes, the Vista is a cozy abode that strikes a perfect balance between size and features. Occupying 204 sq ft, the home includes a compact yet comfortable interior. The home contains two bedrooms and a small working space. It is based on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 24 feet. It is equipped with a cement board siding finish and has plenty of glazing to allow natural light to stream throughout the day.

Designer: Dragon Tiny Homes

The interior of the home is finished in shiplap and paired with vinyl flooring. As you enter through the front door, you are welcomed by the kitchen. The kitchen includes an oven with a four-burner propane-powered stove, a sink, a fridge, and plenty of cabinetry and shelving. It also includes quartz countertops. There is also space for a washer/dryer. Opposite the kitchen is a dining table, which can seat two people. The table can also double up as a home working area.

The kitchen and dining areas are linked to the living room which houses a sofa and a small table. A projector with a drop-down screen has been installed as well, it can be controlled via a remote. The opposite end of the home includes a bathroom that can be entered through a sliding barn-style door. The bathroom is equipped with a vanity sink, a flushing toilet, and a shower.

The main bedroom can be accessed through a storage-integrated staircase from the living room, while the second bedroom can be reached via a removable ladder. The second bedroom is located above the bathroom, and both rooms are typical loft-style tiny home spaces with low ceilings, a double bed, and storage. The Vista tiny home is priced at US$60,000.

Although the home is small by the stand of typical North American tiny homes, it is well-equipped and furnished with the essential amenities. The home’s interior and theme are cozy and comforting, allowing residents to feel at ease, and truly at home.

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Mariko Mori’s Sculptural Coral-Shaped Studio On A Japanese Island Is A Surreal Tribute To The Ocean

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Named the Yuputira House, this stunning home was designed by Japanese artist Mariko Mori. Nestled along the shores of Miyako Island, and deemed as a private studio, the surreal abode is coral-shaped and features a pure white concrete volume. The white structure is a tribute to the ocean and Mori’s transcendental style. The dwelling is a labor of Mori’s love, and as you enter the space you are welcomed by sweeping curves, elegant rooms, and plenty of daylight, adding a light-filled aura to the Yupurita House.

Designer: Mariko Mori and Ring Architects

Mori teamed up with Ring Architects and Japanese craftsmen to bring the home to life. The home has an appealing ultra-minimalist style, which is a direct reflection of the artist’s style and design philosophy. The convex shape gives the home the impression of a pure white shell, while sculpted forms and circular skylights intersperse throughout the structure. The home doesn’t seem to have a single straight angle within, making it a truly impressive building. It offers subliminal views of the ocean, which further elevates the zen-like and restrained atmosphere of the space.

Mori says that she was inspired by the bleached shells she found on the shore of the beach. The sleek structure includes a studio on the upper level, while a bedroom, tearoom, and two guest rooms are located on the lower level. She practices meditation and tea ceremonies, and hence she has incorporated space for these two activities within the Yuputira House. The name Yuputira is inspired by the local sun god. In a world where chaos reigns, the Yuputira House is truly a calming and safe abode, where one can unwind and find some rare peace. Everything about the home radiates tranquility and surrealism – ranging from its unique shell-like shape to its super minimalist interior decor and theme.

Mori is an internationally acclaimed artist who specializes in photography, film, and performance art. She often explores the universal questions of life, death, reality, and technology through her unique work. She has a fascinating connection with art which seems to push all boundaries, exploring different dimensions. This surreal and interesting connection is represented in her home, serving as a true reflection of herself and her essence.

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This Compact Tiny Home With A Space-Saving Layout Is Perfect For A Life On The Go

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Named the Sea Chord, and designed by Modern Tiny Living, this fully featured tiny home is compact, and perfect for a vacation home or as a full-time residence. It is amped with a space-saving interior, accentuated by plenty of storage space. The tiny home has the capability to run on or off the grid. It features a length of 22 feet, making it longer than most European models, but still small for a North American tiny home. A double-axle trailer serves as the base and the home is clad in engineered wood, and topped with a steel roof. It also includes an outdoor shower and an exterior storage box.

Designer: Modern Tiny Living

The interior of the home is finished in maple plywood, and it includes a lot of glazing and a skylight. This allows the home to be pretty light-filled, especially the living room. The living room is equipped with a custom sofa that can be converted into a bed, and a retractable dining/work table that can be pulled out from a kitchen unit. The kitchen contains an oven, induction stove, fridge/freezer, steel sink, and stacked washer and dryer. There is also plenty of cabinetry and steel worktops. A breakfast bar-style dining area has been incorporated for two, it serves as an additional workspace too.

The bathroom is located on the opposite end of the home to the living room, and you can access it via a sliding door. The space includes a shower, composting toilet, and a small vanity sink. The tiny home only includes one bedroom, which can be accessed via a storage-integrated staircase. This is a typical tiny house-style loft space with a low ceiling, a double bed, and storage space.

The Sea Chord can be powered by a standard RV-style hookup or from the solar panels that have been installed on the roof, and then further connected to a battery array in the exterior storage box. We are unaware of the pricing on the tiny home for now.

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This Tiny House Features A Unique Space-Saving Design While Amping Up On Storage

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Designed by Truform Tiny Homes, the Kootenay Inventory is a tiny home with a well-designed and space-saving layout that is amped with loads of storage space. The home also features a bunch of lovely amenities, all packed into a length of 33 feet. The Kootenay Inventory is an updated and upgraded version of the original Kootenay home designed in 2017. It is founded on a triple-axle trailer and is powered by a standard RV-style hookup.

Designer: Truform Tiny Homes

You can enter the home via a fold-down deck area and a front door that leads to a well-stocked kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner propane-powered stove, a dishwasher, an oven, a fridge/freezer, a sink, a washer/dryer, and some cabinetry. The home also has a breakfast bar or office area that can be rotated sideways to offer more seating space. The living room is closely located, and it includes integrated storage, as well as a fireplace with a mantel. The bathroom is equipped with a chunky concrete sink, a flushing toilet, and a shower.

The Kootenay Inventory model includes two bedrooms. The master bedroom can be entered through the living room via a sliding door, and it has plenty of headroom to stand upright. The bedroom only has plenty of storage space, located under the double bed, as well as in the wardrobes.

The second bedroom of the Kootenay is more like a typical loft-style space. You can access it via a storage-integrated staircase, and it features a low ceiling and plenty of storage space, as well as room for a double bed. This bedroom is situated on the opposite side of the downstairs bedroom, creating an ample amount of space between the two. The Kootenay Inventory is priced at US$174,900.

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Discover The Fun Of Hands On Learning With Mola Structural Kits For Architects And Engineers

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As the tech industry advances and it is appreciated, there is still something special about getting your hands dirty and working with physical materials. The Mola 4 Structural Kit, designed by Brazilian architect Márcio Sequeira de Oliveira, offers exactly that—a hands-on approach to learning that brings creativity, design, and structural engineering to life. By combining principles of structural mechanics with elements inspired by origami and folding techniques, this innovative kit provides aspiring architects, designers, and engineers with an interactive way to explore the relationship between form and function in a very real, tangible way.

Designer: Márcio Sequeira de Oliveira (Mola)

For many students today, the overwhelming presence of technology can feel both empowering and confining. While sophisticated software unlocks endless possibilities, it can also constrain creativity by trapping ideas within the confines of a screen. The Mola 4 Kit fills this gap beautifully. It offers a tactile, hands-on experience, allowing users to experiment with structural forms and principles in the physical world. By literally building with your hands, you learn the why behind structural integrity—why certain forms stand tall while others collapse—a foundational skill for anyone passionate about architecture or engineering.

The Mola 4 Kit contains 145 meticulously designed modular parts and a detailed instruction manual to guide users. The components—springs, magnets, and pre-marked sheets—can be customized with materials such as cardboard, EVA, acrylic, or even 3D-printed elements. This versatile system allows users to build intricate, small-scale models of famous architectural marvels, such as Pier Luigi Nervi’s Palazzetto Dello Sport, Félix Candela’s Los Manantiales Restaurant, Álvaro Siza Vieira’s Expo’98 Portuguese National Pavilion, and London’s Millennium Dome. The kit essentially merges LEGO’s playful versatility with Apple’s sleek, user-friendly design, making it engaging and accessible to anyone, regardless of prior technical knowledge.

What truly sets the Mola 4 Kit apart is its capacity for creative exploration. It enables users to design, construct, and customize hundreds of unique architectural forms using modular parts, effectively opening up a world of architectural possibilities. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned professional, the kit transforms abstract theory into hands-on learning, letting users experiment with real-world concepts of structure and stability in a fun, dynamic way.

But don’t be fooled by its playful appearance—Mola 4 is a serious learning tool. It provides a gateway to the complex world of structural engineering, helping to demystify structural behavior and deepen the user’s understanding of both basic and advanced theoretical concepts. This tangible approach is essential for bridging the gap between civil engineering and architectural studies, bringing theory to life in a way that no textbook or software can replicate.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Mola 4 Kit is its ability to offer a three-dimensional learning experience that digital technology simply cannot match. Engaging with physical components activates both the mind and senses, creating “intuitively playful moments of delight” that digital interfaces often lack. The kit encourages users to step away from their screens and into a world of hands-on experimentation that is as informative as it is enjoyable.

The post Discover The Fun Of Hands On Learning With Mola Structural Kits For Architects And Engineers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bunkie On A Hill Is A Contemporary Reinterpretation Of A Classic A-Frame Cabin With A Vaulted Roof

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Meet the Bunkie on a Hill, a modern cabin perched on top of a hill in Muskoka, Ontario – as its name implies. The Bunkie is a contemporary and updated version of the classic forest cabin. It was created by Toronto-based Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, and it is part of a collection of buildings tucked away in four family properties. Bunkie is the smallest, and although it has a humble and compact size, it is an excellent example of how an abode can be functional and intricately linked to its surroundings.

Designer: Dubbeldam Architecture + Design

Bunkie occupies around 1000 sq ft (95 sq m), and it is a modern reinterpretation of the typical A-frame cabins. A-frame cabins are quite popular, and Bunkie adds a twist to them with its split roof design and two intersecting gables. The unique architectural element offers space for incorporating panoramic geometric windows which provide beautiful views of the surrounding treetops, and the lake below. The sharp angles and the mesmerizing sloping roof lines allow natural light to steadily stream into the home.

Bunkie is amped with two impressive facades – one is a tall and glazed wall that provides lovely views of the lake, while the other is more solid and faces the forest. This facade provides protection from the elements and some much-needed privacy. You can enter the cabin from the west side, through a walkway covered by a cedar screen, which resembles the tree trunks of the forest. Only FSC-rated wood was used to construct Bunkie on the Hill, and it features an exterior of wood siding and natural cedar soffits. The wooden elements naturally blend with the surrounding forest. The cabin is also equipped with thickened exterior walls, a minimal heating system, and triple-glazed windows which give it an R-value of over 40, and make it quite energy-efficient.

The interior of the cabin is extremely well-planned and carefully designed. It offers maximum functionality with impressive utility of space. Smart storage solutions have been incorporated throughout the house. The ground floor showcases a big open-plan living and dining area, as well as a minimal and subtle kitchen. Double-height framed windows expansively open up to a massive timber outdoor terrace. The primary bedroom is located at the back of the cabin, and it includes windows that offer surreal views of the surrounding forest. The cabin also contains an upper loft, which serves as an additional sleeping area. This space also integrates a built-in desk, so it can be used as a home office too. You can glance at the living room and the lake from this loft room.

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An Hourglass Shaped Observation Tower In Sweden Satisfies The Birdwatcher In You

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White Arkitekter, the renowned Swedish architecture studio, has recently unveiled its latest creation, the Observation Tower Kärven, in the scenic Getterön nature reserve on Sweden’s west coast. This 12-metre-tall structure, which emerged as the winning entry in an architectural competition organized by the Varberg Municipality, stands as an iconic testament to innovative design and sustainability.

Designer: White Arkitekter

The Kärven tower, which rises like an intricate lattice from the landscape, was described by White Arkitekter as having a “visually striking simplicity, reminiscent of a bundle of twisted straws.” The tower’s construction, composed of 140 timber beams and metal rings, creates a dynamic hyperboloid shape, a complex structure that fuses nature-inspired elegance with structural ingenuity.

This lattice of timber beams, skillfully arranged in a three-dimensional puzzle, gives the tower its distinctive hourglass silhouette. From a distance, the structure appears curved, but closer inspection reveals that the form is actually composed of straight beams, cleverly assembled to create the illusion of curvature.

The Kärven project required seamless collaboration between architects and structural engineers. Lead architect Lukas Nordström emphasized that “the concept required an understanding from both architect and structural engineer of each other’s disciplines.” This interplay of architecture and construction is evident throughout the tower, where the boundaries between design and engineering blur, reflecting the harmony achieved between aesthetics and functionality.

Nestled within the Getterön nature reserve, known for its rich birdlife and picturesque wetlands, the Kärven Observation Tower offers visitors uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Rising from a metal-framed opening at ground level, visitors enter a sheltered space before ascending the tower’s metal spiral staircase. This staircase spirals upward to the open-air observation deck, where visitors are treated to panoramic views of the reserve and beyond.

The deck itself is an architectural marvel, framed by the rising timber beams that also serve as a balustrade, wrapping visitors in the same web-like structure that defines the tower. A geometric bench surrounds the staircase, inviting visitors to pause and reflect while they take in the stunning vistas.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Kärven tower’s construction was its efficiency. Each of the 140 timber beams was installed on-site in just two minutes, with the entire assembly of beams taking a little over a week. This hybrid structure of timber and metal, combined with the use of parametric modeling and calculation software, allowed for precise planning and execution.

The design process made use of Grasshopper, a parametric design software, which enabled the team to map out the mathematical relationships needed for the intricate structure. This technology was crucial in realizing the tower’s complex geometry while also allowing for sustainable and local construction practices. The assembly, carried out by local contractors using standard timber dimensions, required no special tools, underscoring the tower’s emphasis on simplicity and sustainability.

The Kärven Tower was designed to fulfill the Varberg Municipality’s vision of a landmark that would attract visitors and enhance the area’s natural beauty. White Arkitekter has succeeded in creating a structure that not only serves as a viewing platform but also as a symbol of architectural and environmental harmony. With its three-dimensional woven structure, the Kärven tower not only engages the eye but also enriches the experience of the landscape it inhabits.

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This $250,000 Golden Tiny Home Merges Glitz & Glamour With Micro-Living

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Say hello to the Golde House – this is probably the most exclusive tiny home in the world. It features a stunning mirrored gold glass finish and a luxurious interior that truly impresses. And it even has a price tag that impresses, the home is priced at US$250,000. Designed by the Estonian designer ÖÖD, the home features a simple rectangular form and has an exquisite finish of golden-shimmery glass which was commissioned specially for it. The rear of the home also features some wooden cladding.

Designer: ÖÖD

The home features a length of 25 ft (7.9 m), and 10 ft (3.3 m). It occupies a floor space of 283 sq ft (26.3 sq m), and most of this space is taken by a big multipurpose room which is light-filled and quite airy. The glass ensures that light streams in through the entirety of the day, creating a space that feels warm and blissful. The home also incorporates certain high-end additions like oak paneling, underfloor heating, and gold-covering fittings and flourishes. The multipurpose room includes some seating and a coffee table, while the kitchen is placed to its right. The kitchen is pretty compact, and it features a gold-colored sink, fridge, and some cabinetry. The other end of the seating section holds the bedroom, which includes a double bed and a large storage unit.

The Golden Home also includes a bathroom which can be entered from the kitchen. The bathroom incorporates a wall-mounted flushing toilet, sink, shower, and some storage space. The shower provides lovely views of the outside but is protected from curious eyes on account of the mirrored glass finish.

The Golden House is powered by a standard RV-style hookup, but it can be updated with a full off-the-grid setup including solar panels. The house has limited production, and only 79 units will be created. 30 units are destined to be sold in Europe and the United States, while the remaining units are headed for the Middle East and elsewhere.

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