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Faceted Watchtower of Steel and Timber Offering 360-Degree Views

Author:
Felix Raspall
Faceted Watchtower of Steel and Timber Offering 360-Degree Views
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The watchtower, with its faceted form and triangular steel structure, offers panoramic views through a porous timber skin, serving as both an observation point and a unique architectural feature within the landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Faceted design oriented to cardinal points enhances unique viewing experiences.
02
Triangular steel structure optimizes material efficiency and stability.
03
Porous timber skin balances transparency and privacy for visitors.
04
Enclosable platforms adapt to various seasonal functions.
05
Operable glass panels promote airflow and user comfort.

Vidzeme Vista is a contemporary watchtower located at Kurgi Farm. It serves as both an observation point and a landmark in the landscape. The design features a faceted form with four platforms, each aligned with the cardinal directions. This arrangement allows visitors to experience panoramic views of the environment while creating an engaging space.

Structural Design

The watchtower uses a triangular steel structure that offers strength and efficiency in its construction. This framework helps maintain a lightweight appearance, which complements the tall, slender profile of the tower. Vertical movement within the building is supported by a combination of stairs and a central lift. This system ensures easy access to the various platforms on different levels.

Transparency and Privacy

A notable aspect of Vidzeme Vista is its skin, designed to provide 360-degree views from the upper levels. The facade is transparent when seen head-on but appears solid from the sides. This feature brings natural light into the interior while keeping visitors comfortable and private. The design effectively balances openness with seclusion, allowing users to enjoy their surroundings without feeling exposed.

Environmental Integration

Sustainably grown timber is used for the tower's skin, adding a warm texture to the predominantly steel structure. This material choice helps the building blend into the natural setting, creating a connection to the landscape. The enclosable platforms can serve various functions, adapting to different needs throughout the year. Large glass panels can be opened to allow fresh air inside, enhancing user comfort.

The interplay of light and shadow plays an important role in shaping the experience inside the tower. As sunlight filters through the materials, it creates a dynamic atmosphere that encourages visitors to explore and engage with the views beyond the structure.

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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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