Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Thatch-Covered Viewing Tower Crafted from Sustainable Timber Emphasizing Environmental Harmony

Authors:
Daichi Yamashita, Neal qiongyu Li, Pengfei Du, Wendy Ma
Thatch-Covered Viewing Tower Crafted from Sustainable Timber Emphasizing Environmental Harmony

Project in-detail

A thatch-covered tower of sustainable timber rises above the reeds, designed to provide a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape while fostering a deep connection with nature through its immersive, eco-sensitive structure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced timber to minimize environmental impact.
02
Features a thatched roof that blends seamlessly with surrounding reeds.
03
The cylindrical shape enhances structural stability while providing 360-degree views.
04
Incorporates a spiral staircase that adds visual interest and interaction.
05
Designed to evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection in nature.
The project "In the Reeds" is an architectural design set within a sprawling expanse of reeds, emphasizing the interplay between built form and natural environment. This tower structure serves as a viewing platform, enabling users to engage with the surrounding landscape while providing opportunities for quiet reflection. It features a cylindrical design, with a modern aesthetic that respects traditional architectural forms found within similar contexts. The integration of local, sustainable materials underscores a commitment to ecological integrity, further enhancing its relevance in contemporary architectural discourse.

Unique Design Approaches to Contextual Integration

One distinctive feature of the project is its careful consideration of the landscape. The tower's cylindrical shape and sculptural form allow it to blend with the surrounding reeds, presenting a non-intrusive silhouette against the horizon. The roof, constructed from thatch reeds, marries the structure with its environment, drawing on regional material traditions. This choice not only reinforces the ecological theme but also provides necessary insulation and protection from the elements. Moreover, the incorporation of glass elements facilitates a connection between interior and exterior spaces, allowing natural light to filter in and offering unobstructed views of the landscape.

The accessibility of the tower is achieved through a spiral staircase, which provides a practical yet visually engaging ascent. This design choice invites users to experience a sensory journey, as they move through the varying heights of the tower. The thoughtful arrangement of windows and openings frames specific views of the reeds and surrounding wildlife, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in their natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization and User Experience

The internal layout of the tower is organized to promote interaction among users while emphasizing individual experiences with nature. Open areas are designed for communal gathering, while secluded nooks offer spaces for solitary reflection. This layering of spatial experiences allows for diverse user engagement with the environment. Additionally, the strategic placement of the tower at the end of a bridge accentuates its role as a destination, guiding visitors through the reeds and heightening anticipation for the views awaiting them at the summit.

Overall, "In the Reeds" demonstrates a cohesive architectural approach that not only prioritizes functionality and sustainability but also emphasizes the relationship between architecture and the landscape. By focusing on materiality, spatial organization, and the user experience, the project contributes to a deeper understanding of how architecture can complement and enhance natural settings.

For further insights, readers are encouraged to explore elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to appreciate the project’s comprehensive approach to design and functionality.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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