Architecture project // Tensile PTFE Membrane Enveloping A Timber Observation Tower Balancing Nature And Community Engagement

Tensile PTFE Membrane Enveloping A Timber Observation Tower Balancing Nature And Community Engagement

Author:

Ke Liu

The combination of a tensile PTFE membrane and weather-resistant timber creates a lightweight observation tower that fosters community engagement while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.

5 key facts about this project

Constructed with a tensile PTFE membrane, enhancing durability and weather resistance.

Features multiple observation platforms made from weather-resistant wooden panels for communal gathering.

Incorporates a vertical circulation system with elevators and stairs for accessibility.

Utilizes a steel framework that maximizes structural efficiency while maintaining a slender profile.

Designed to adapt to climate variations, improving the user experience throughout different seasons.

General keywords

observation tower nature community interaction ptfe wood public scenic location

Project specific keywords

membrane tensile steel elevation accessibility open-air observation environmental sustainability community-focused

### Overview

Located within a serene landscape that reflects shifting geographical narratives, the observation tower serves to honor the intricate relationship between humanity and nature. The design seeks to create a space that fosters contemplation of historical contexts while embracing contemporary architectural principles. Through a thoughtful integration of ecology and community interaction, the project invites users to engage with their environment in meaningful ways.

### Structural and Material Composition

The tower features a multi-layered structure characterized by a central vertical core, which houses the elevator shaft and is surrounded by observation platforms. A tensile membrane system made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) envelops the structure, providing a lightweight, translucent skin that adapts to climatic variations. This innovative material offers waterproofing and insulation while facilitating natural ventilation. The steel framework ensures structural integrity, allowing for a slender profile that enhances the tower's visual lightness. Weather-resistant wooden platforms are incorporated at various levels, creating communal spaces that encourage social interaction and further enhance the visitor experience.

### Accessibility and Community Engagement

To ensure usability for individuals with mobility impairments, the design includes a lift accessible via surrounding steps, promoting inclusivity in vertical circulation. The ground level is characterized by a spacious wooden platform, approximately 6m x 6m, which connects to existing trails, enhancing accessibility to the site. Elevated observation platforms are designed to provide unimpeded views and relaxation areas, using horizontal sliding glass panels that maintain safety while preserving scenic vistas. Public pathways and open spaces are integrated into the design, reinforcing the tower’s role as a communal hub focused on appreciating nature and heritage, while also serving as a platform for reflection and connection to the past and future.