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A Landmark Observation Tower Defined by a Hanging Staircase

Authors:
Megi Davitidze, Annamaria Chelidze, Fadri Horber
A Landmark Observation Tower Defined by a Hanging Staircase
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With a distinctive sloped roof that integrates photovoltaic panels, the recycled steel and concrete tower provides an energy-efficient landmark designed for community engagement and exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled steel structure minimizes environmental impact.
02
Concrete piles provide robust anchorage in a remote setting.
03
Unique sloped roof optimizes solar energy collection.
04
Hanging staircase enhances visitor experience and interaction.
05
Irregular platform placement offers diverse visual perspectives.

The conceptual design establishes a notable landmark that connects well with its environment. Proposed in a remote area, the structure aims to engage visitors through its unique arrangement of spaces. The design concept revolves around the idea of a "pretentious object" that invites exploration while fulfilling both functional and aesthetic needs.

Conceptual Framework

The design features various spatial components, each serving a distinct function that enhances the overall experience. At its base, the solid groundwork uses concrete to provide stability and a sense of permanence. Above this heavy foundation, a lighter upper structure emerges, creating a visual contrast. This combination of weight and levity draws attention to the building’s form while serving practical purposes.

Spatial Dynamics

A prominent feature of the structure is the hanging staircase. This element aids vertical movement and encourages interaction with the space. Visitors can ascend while taking in different viewpoints of both the tower and the landscape surrounding it. Moreover, the design includes platforms placed at irregular intervals, offering diverse visual experiences as individuals navigate through the building.

Sustainable Features

The roof is notable for its distinctive sloped design, which supports photovoltaic panels that cover about 50% of its surface area. With an incline of 46.5 degrees, the roof is designed to maximize energy collection throughout the day. This focus on sustainability aligns well with the remote location, highlighting the project’s commitment to energy efficiency and self-sufficiency.

Materials and Structural Integrity


The concrete foundation offers robust support and enhances the visual weight, while the recycled steel used in the superstructure supports environmental goals. The building’s stability is achieved through concrete piles driven into the ground, complemented by a concrete elevator shaft that serves as the core. I-Beams and HSS columns make up the framework, ensuring that the structure is strong while allowing for efficient prefabrication that speeds up construction.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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