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Cable-Stayed Structure Featuring Natural Wood and Steel Elements for Elevated Observation Experience

Cable-Stayed Structure Featuring Natural Wood and Steel Elements for Elevated Observation Experience
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Constructed with a central mast and cable-stayed platforms made from dimensional lumber and steel, this observation tower offers diverse viewing opportunities of the South Dakota landscape while prioritizing accessibility and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a central mast and cable-stayed platforms, minimizing structural impact on the landscape.
02
Modular design allows for efficient assembly and maintenance, promoting community involvement.
03
Features an accessible ramp to enhance inclusivity for all visitors.
04
Incorporates natural materials, including dimensional lumber and steel, for durability and aesthetics.
05
Offers diverse viewpoints from multiple spiral platforms, enhancing the connection with the environment.

## Overview
Located within South Dakota's Big Slough and Silver Lake ecosystems, the SkySpiral serves as an observation tower designed to enhance visitors' ecological and cultural interactions with the surrounding environment. The project embodies a contemporary architectural approach that integrates with the landscape while prioritizing functionality and user engagement. By offering a versatile observation experience, the SkySpiral aims to become a focal point for exploration and education within this natural context.

### Spatial Strategy
The SkySpiral features a spiral arrangement of observation platforms encircling a central mast, linked by a system of cable stays. This configuration optimizes the visitor experience by providing multiple viewpoints while maintaining a minimal land footprint. The structure's fluid form echoes natural growth patterns, such as plants or shells, creating a visual dialogue with its environment. The inclusion of an accessible ramp supports universal engagement, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can partake in the experience.

### Material Selection
The materials used in the construction of the SkySpiral reflect a commitment to sustainability and structural efficiency. Dimensional lumber forms the platforms, offering both warmth and stability, while high-tensile strength steel cables provide essential support with minimal visual intrusion. Additionally, cable mesh railings enhance safety without obstructing views. This thoughtful selection not only contributes to the aesthetic and functional qualities of the tower but also aligns with contemporary sustainable building practices through lightweight construction and reduced material usage.

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

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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.

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