Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Light Metal Observatory Tower with Transparent Polycarbonate Facade

Authors:
Chuan Zhu, Lili Mao
Light Metal Observatory Tower with Transparent Polycarbonate Facade
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
The observatory tower's light metal structure and transparent polycarbonate facade create a distinctive silhouette that enhances its integration with the surrounding forest, providing a unique exploration space for visitors seeking both contemplation and interaction with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two vertical walls provide circulation routes with openings for dynamic movement.
02
Multiple viewing platforms allow varied perspectives of the landscape.
03
The tower incorporates a light metal staircase that enhances the sense of floating.
04
At the top, an enclosed space acts as a beacon within the forest.
05
A polycarbonate facade promotes transparency and natural light throughout the tower.

The design focuses on the role of walls as historical markers and defining elements within a space, integrated with the natural landscape. At the center of the design is an observatory tower that emphasizes the connection between the enclosed areas and the surrounding environment. It invites visitors to engage with both the architectural form and the landscape, encouraging a connection with nature.

Structural Dynamics

The observatory tower consists of two vertical walls featuring openings that enable circulation and interaction. This arrangement allows for a smooth flow between different areas of the structure. As visitors move upward, they encounter several viewing platforms that offer immersive experiences with the environment while also providing places for reflection.

Spatial Transition

Circulation elements within the tower are crucial to the overall experience. They guide visitors through a series of spatial changes, enhancing the relationship between vertical movement and environmental interaction. This design invites users to explore the structure in various ways, promoting a deeper understanding of their surroundings.

Material Considerations

Light metal is used in the staircase, supporting the tower’s floating appearance without losing structural strength. The structure incorporates metal tubes that act as columns, reflecting a focus on efficiency and straightforward design. The facade includes polycarbonate along with steel, which creates transparency. This design choice allows natural light to fill the interior while keeping the connection with the outside world.

At the top of the observatory tower is an enclosed space designed for comfort and quiet thought. It serves as a beacon surrounded by the forest. This detail encourages visitors to pause and enjoy the view, highlighting the blend of interior and exterior spaces while enriching the overall experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy