Architecture project // Glass-Floored Observation Tower with Wood Cladding and 360-Degree Views

Glass-Floored Observation Tower with Wood Cladding and 360-Degree Views

Authors:

Victoria Payne, Janelle Brookes, Ross Manubay

With glass floors that extend outward and a structure clad in wood, the design provides a 360-degree view of the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, serving as a public observation tower for visitors to engage with the rare Latvian Ardennes horses.

5 key facts about this project

Glass floors extend outward, creating a visual connection with the landscape below.

The tower features a public seating plaza at its base to promote community interaction.

A separate elevator serves the fourth level, providing exclusive access to the highest viewpoint.

Wood cladding reflects local agricultural heritage, linking the structure to its environment.

The top floor offers a lounge enclosed by colored glass panels for enhanced views and aesthetics.

General keywords

latvia observation tower biosphere kurgi public nature levels ardenes landscape

Project specific keywords

wood cladding glass floors steel roof exterior plaza 360-degree view

The ARDENNES SKATU TOWER is located north of Kurgi Farm within the North Vidzeme Biosphere Reserve, which is along the Latvian-Estonian border. This structure provides a public observation area designed for people to view the rare Latvian Ardennes horses and appreciate the surrounding landscape. Standing at 31 meters tall, it consists of five levels, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Levels and Access

The design focuses on a vertical journey through the interconnected levels. The bottom level contains an exterior seating plaza that connects to an interior seating area. This encourages visitors to engage with both the architecture and the surrounding nature. The second level serves as the main entrance, welcoming guests into an open mezzanine space that allows for viewing from both inside and outside.

Viewing Experiences

The third level introduces glass floors that extend outward from the building's façade. This feature enhances the viewing experience, giving guests a sense of floating above the ground and fostering a deeper connection with the surroundings. A separate elevator and staircase are found on the fourth level, leading to the top floor, which features the highest viewpoint.

Material Integration

Material choice plays an important role in the design of the ARDENNES SKATU TOWER. Wood cladding is used throughout, representing local Latvian agricultural traditions and helping the structure blend into its environment. Glass walls are incorporated to enhance the viewing experience, making the building an essential part of the landscape while framing the views outside. The roofing relies on steel, contributing to both the design’s organic look and its structural stability.

The top floor offers a complete 360-degree view, featuring an extended balcony and an interior lounge enclosed by colored glass panels. This area is crowned with a roof design that swoops gracefully, complementing the overall organic feel of the tower.