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Clear Glass Walls and Red Brick Form Create a Unique Observation Experience

Author:
Cindy Wang
Clear Glass Walls and Red Brick Form Create a Unique Observation Experience
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A hexagonal structure with clear glass walls and classical red brick accents provides an elevated observation platform that connects visitors with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A hexagonal design enhances structural stability and visual interest.
02
Clear glass walls provide unobstructed 360-degree views of the landscape.
03
The first floor features 18 protective windows for safety while observing nature.
04
A balcony extends over two meters, offering outdoor seating and interaction with the environment.
05
A square lift ensures accessibility across all five levels of the tower.

The Kurgi Observation Tower, located near Kurgi Farm, serves as a functional space for visitors to observe the surrounding fields and landscapes. Designed with a modern approach, the structure fosters a strong connection to its natural setting. The overall concept emphasizes both practicality and aesthetics, offering a place where people can engage with their environment.

Structure and Form
The tower features a hexagonal shape that gives it a unique geometric character. This form naturally draws the eye upward, enhanced by a pointed roof made of classical red bricks. The outer walls are constructed from light bricks painted in a shell white color. This choice helps the tower blend into the landscape while adding a contemporary touch to the design. The combination of these features creates a visually appealing structure that stands out without overpowering its surroundings.

Levels and Functionality
Inside, the tower is divided into multiple levels, each designed with a specific purpose. The ground floor primarily serves as a circulation space, allowing visitors to move easily through the structure. It includes ventilation openings for restrooms and a central air conditioning system that provides comfort throughout different times of the year. The first floor, which features 18 protective windows, enhances visibility and safety while inviting interaction with the fields and horses outside.

As visitors ascend to the second and third floors, they find similar arrangements that create a sense of continuity. Each of these levels has three windows that provide expansive views of the area, making it easy to appreciate the changing landscape. On the fourth floor, a clear glass outer wall allows for panoramic sightlines, offering an immersive experience of the horizon.

Finishing Details
On the fifth floor, a balcony extends outwards over two meters, adding an outdoor area for relaxation. This space features bar tables that can accommodate up to nine people, encouraging social interaction while enjoying the views. For accessibility, a square lift connects all levels, enabling easy movement for all visitors.

Each of these thoughtful design elements comes together to make the Kurgi Observation Tower not just a place to observe the scenery but also a structure that enriches the landscape itself. The careful blending of function and form ensures that visitors can fully appreciate their surroundings.

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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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