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Article from issue 5/1998 »Systems Building«

Beach Point

Drafts

Details of foot and hinged connection 1:10
Details of foot and hinged connection 1:10
Elevation 1:100
Elevation 1:100
Exploded diagram (not to scale)

Designed as a student project in the category of micro-architecture, the structure was conceived as an observation tower with a variety of sporting applications. It can serve as a mobile lookout for lifeguards and as a viewing, refereeing or signal tower for yachting and surfing regattas, etc. Wind-tunnel tests were taken into account in the structural calculations. The elements comprising the 11-metre-high tower have a maximum length of 4 m and a total weight of 200 kg. It can, therefore, be erected and dismantled by two persons in locations that are difficult to reach. The only tool required for assembly is a hammer. The patented basic framework is in powder-coated aluminium. Fabric membranes were used for the solar sails, deck and canopy.