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Frosted Glass Observation Tower with Moving Silicon Boardwalk

Author:
Ariana Patterson
Frosted Glass Observation Tower with Moving Silicon Boardwalk
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The observation tower, designed with a rotating viewing platform and a boardwalk constructed from movable silicon, invites visitors to engage with their surroundings while providing a unique vantage point for nature observation.
5 key facts about this project
01
A movable silicon boardwalk allows for customized pathways.
02
The observation tower features a unique rotating viewing platform.
03
Frosted glass walls enhance natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
The design incorporates the concept of 'FLIP MODULATION' for user interaction.
05
Visitors can engage with the environment through an adaptive layout.

The design centers around the dynamic qualities of flamingos, emphasizing fluidity and balance. Located in a natural setting that encourages interaction with the surroundings, the structure serves both as an observation point and a place for community engagement. The concept revolves around movement, material use, and varied forms, inviting visitors to explore their environment in a deeper way.

Key Elements

The design features horizontal components that share the same geometric shape but differ in scale. This variation promotes flexibility, allowing for a range of pathways throughout the area. A key element is the boardwalk, created from movable silicon pieces, which enables visitors and staff to customize their routes. This adaptability fosters an environment that responds to the users' needs and preferences.

Observation Tower

An observation tower acts as the focal point of the design, offering a heightened perspective for users. At the top, visitors can engage with an additional viewing platform that rotates using a gear system. This not only enhances the viewing experience but also encourages social interaction among guests, as they can manipulate the structure together. The tower becomes a space for connection, encouraging conversation amidst the backdrop of nature.

Modulation Concept

The design incorporates a concept called 'FLIP MODULATION,' inspired by childhood games and puzzles. Users are invited to play with the arrangement of modular elements in the space, promoting a sense of discovery while keeping the overall structure intact. The relationship between movement and orientation is key, allowing visitors to experience the environment from different angles and perspectives.

Materials

Materials chosen for the project include bamboo for the flooring, titanium for structural support, and frosted glass for railings and walls. Bamboo offers sustainability and an appealing aesthetic, while titanium is lightweight and durable. The use of frosted glass allows filtered light to enter, contributing to a sense of openness. These choices reflect a thoughtful balance between functionality and design.

The frosted glass walls of the observation tower create a soft ambiance, allowing light to flow in and connecting the interior space with the outdoor environment, enhancing the experience for every visitor.

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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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