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Elevated Viewing Platforms Crafted from Charred Wood and Concrete Base Embracing Nature's Horizon

Elevated Viewing Platforms Crafted from Charred Wood and Concrete Base Embracing Nature's Horizon
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Elevated triangular forms of charred wood and concrete create a seamless dialogue with the landscape, serving as a multi-functional hub for community interaction and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated triangular forms enhance views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a sustainable and weather-resistant facade.
03
The concrete base allows for structural stability while integrating with the terrain.
04
Ramps throughout create a seamless flow between different viewing levels.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels offer lightweight strength and reduce environmental impact.

### Overview

The De Smet Horizon is positioned in a scenic locale, emphasizing the synergy between architectural form and the surrounding landscape. Designed to foster community interactions and individual contemplation, its layout and features encourage visitors to engage with expansive views and natural beauty. The project is structured as a pavilion that serves multiple functions, facilitating both communal gatherings and personal reflection within a thoughtfully integrated environment.

### Spatial Engagement

The architectural design prioritizes a fluid spatial experience that encourages exploration. Triangular geometries are employed to mirror the site's topography while maximizing visibility. Internally, access ramps serve as pathways that guide visitors through the structure, promoting a dynamic interaction with the landscape. These ramps create varying levels of access and vantage points, enhancing the experience of moving through the pavilion as if traversing a natural terrain. Viewing platforms are strategically placed at different heights, allowing for diverse perspectives of the environment, thereby enriching visitors' connection to the surrounding area.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A deliberate selection of materials aligns with the project’s environmental context and user needs. The use of concrete for the structural base provides necessary durability for public engagement, while warm wood elements enhance the aesthetic appeal and sustainable qualities of the design. Aluminum and glass are incorporated to create transparent enclosures, fostering a dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces, and supporting natural light integration. Natural stone elements are utilized in landscaping, ensuring continuity between the architectural and natural landscapes. This material palette not only addresses functional requirements but also underscores a commitment to sustainability by utilizing locally sourced resources.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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