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Elevated Steel Structure with Sensitive Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Klaus Benkel, Alberto Novoa, Macarena Andrade
Elevated Steel Structure with Sensitive Terraces Overlooking Natural Landscapes
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A vertical steel tower integrates a dynamic ascent mechanism with habitable terraces, allowing visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape while providing essential viewpoints throughout a public park.
5 key facts about this project
01
The tower features an innovative hand pedal mechanism for user-controlled elevation.
02
Habitable terraces provide unique landscaping perspectives at various heights.
03
Constructed primarily with steel for enhanced structural durability and flexibility.
04
The design emphasizes sensory interactions with light and wind throughout the experience.
05
Strategically located near lagoons to integrate water features into the visitor experience.

The design features a prominent tower positioned within a horizontal park, close to two lagoons. This upward structure stands out against the landscape, creating a clear visual contrast with the flat surroundings. The overall concept revolves around the relationship between vertical elements and natural terrain. It aims to enhance how visitors interact with both the building and the environment.

Dynamic Mechanism

A key feature of the tower is its innovative system that allows users to ascend and descend effortlessly. Hand pedals located on core platforms engage a series of gears, working alongside a counterweight and braking system. This design ensures a safe and smooth experience as visitors move between levels. Each element has been carefully considered to promote comfort and ease of use, making the journey to elevated viewpoints enjoyable.

Habitable Beams

The tower also includes habitable beams that lead to terraces designed for relaxation and observation. These areas provide unique viewpoints of the surrounding park. By offering varied perspectives, the terraces encourage visitors to connect with the landscape in a more meaningful way. The arrangement of these spaces allows users to enjoy light and shadows throughout the day, enhancing their experience of the environment.

Materiality and Structure

Steel is the primary material used for the tower's core structure. This choice supports the tower's height while ensuring stability. The use of steel enables a straightforward, modern design that aligns with the surroundings without overpowering them. This choice reflects an intention to create a building that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Sensory Engagement

The design fosters a strong connection to the sensory aspects of the environment. As visitors travel through the tower, they are exposed to changing light conditions and the movement of air. This interaction deepens their experience, making each visit unique. The design encourages moments of pause and reflection, allowing people to truly appreciate the beauty of nature around them.

The terraces offer inviting spaces for contemplation, framed by stunning views of the landscape, encouraging visitors to stop and be present in the moment.

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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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