☉ Horizontal shapes is an honour mention competition entry by Leonardo Rossi developed in 2020. It is located in Kurgi Farm Latvia in a countryside setting. Its scale is small with a surface of 500 sqm a budget of 1.000.000 € and a ratio of 2.000 €/sqm. Key materials are concrete and metal.
The shape of the building immediately recalls the archetype of an observation tower.
The structure consists of a frame of steel beams supported by close slender columns. Vertical structures characterize the interior, generating perspective channels that guide the viewers’ gaze through the space, letting them admire the surrounding landscape. When the tower is observed from the outside, columns disappear due to their lightness and horizontal surfaces seem to float.
The five storeys allow the visitors to enjoy the landscape from different heights. The height of each storey gradually reduces as the height of the tower increases, so that the visitors’ field of view progressively expands on the upper floors while the level of detail of the view fades.
On top of the structure a room is bordered by glass walls. The wooden floor, the curtains, the acoustic panels hanging from the ceiling and the wood stove contribute to making this space more intimate. Here visitors can finally sit and rest surrounded by the amazing view of the Kurgi Farm and North Latvia Biosphere Reserve.