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Charred Wooden Cladding and Diagonal Bracing Enhance the Visitor Experience at a Scenic Observation Structure

Charred Wooden Cladding and Diagonal Bracing Enhance the Visitor Experience at a Scenic Observation Structure
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Crafted with charred wooden cladding and supported by diagonal bracing, the observation structure offers visitors an immersive experience of the surrounding landscape through its thoughtfully designed viewing platforms.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates diagonal bracing for structural integrity while allowing open viewing corridors.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that maximizes sightlines to the landscape.
04
Includes a spiral pathway that guides visitors through various observation levels.
05
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

### Overview

The Observation Tower is situated along "The Legendary Highway 14," targeting an enhanced visitor experience through the provision of expansive views of the natural environment. The design utilizes a cube-like configuration that facilitates engagement with the site via a panoramic observation experience, encouraging exploration and interaction with the structure.

### Spatial Configuration and Visitor Circulation

The tower's architectural approach incorporates diagonal bracing to ensure both stability and visual appeal, creating unobstructed views and viewing platforms. A spiraled pathway originates at the center and extends outward, promoting natural visitor movement and fostering a sense of exploration throughout the various levels. The strategic placement of seating and vantage points enhances the connection between visitors and the environment, maximizing sensory engagement with the landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The design prioritizes sustainable practices and visual warmth through the careful selection of materials including wood, steel, glass, and concrete. Natural wooden elements are employed to create a warm texture that aligns with the natural surroundings, while steel components provide structural strength and a minimalist aesthetic. Transparent glass elements facilitate unobstructed views and allow natural light to permeate the interiors. The reinforced concrete base contributes to the overall stability of the tower, supporting the upper wooden and steel structures while ensuring durability. Through this thoughtful materiality, the design reflects a commitment to both ecological responsibility and architectural integrity.

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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.

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