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Light Metal Observatory Tower with Transparent Polycarbonate Facade

Authors:
Chuan Zhu, Lili Mao
Light Metal Observatory Tower with Transparent Polycarbonate Facade
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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.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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