Lonely Giants: 7 Rural Towers Take the Lay of the Land

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The term “towers” typically applies to tall structures that are specifically different from “buildings” in that they were not built for habitable use. Towers generally housed typical functions that took advantage of height and visibility. Throughout history, towers were built to create a better view of surrounding areas as defense strategies. Tower structures were also used for water towers and silos, using the height as a tool for potential energy that would ease the movement of fluids or objects. Tower architecture was also common in communication centers, from old fashioned light houses to some of today’s tallest TV towers.

However, in contemporary architecture, the tower typology is incorporated to the building of more habitable spaces. Especially within scenic areas and natural landscapes, taking advantage of height provides some of the most beautiful and expansive views of surrounding areas. Architects have taken the simple idea of a tower to adapt them into more engaging buildings, creatively welding the idea of monolithic towers into more habitable spaces.

The following seven projects show a range of contemporary tower typologies from redeveloped historic defense towers to modern day residences. While experimenting with different materiality, shapes, volumes, heights, openings and programming, these projects embrace the architectural language of the classic tower idea in two ways: by finding the perfect location to establish a monument like structure that seemingly breaks the landscape, and taking advantage of the height to frame expansive views of the surrounding area.

Tower Restoration in Huercal-Overa by miguelbarahona arquitectoluis castillo / mercedes miras, Huercal-Overa, Spain

Situated on the edge of a cliff, this tower was once a part of a larger fortress. The goal of this tower was not only to make the project more accessible. A monolithic corten steel is added to the existing structure to create a gentle slope within the existing landscape.

Scholzberg Tower, Lučany nad Nisou, Czech Republic

The Scholzberg Tower is a tower in the traditional sense — inhabitable. Made of wood, this DNA double helix-like twisting structure is repeated all the way to the top, where one can find expansive views of rolling hills and trees.

Château d’eau by Bham design studio, Steenokkerzeel, Belgium

Château d’eau is an old rural water tower that has been converted into a private residence. The round course of windows at the top of the tower allows light from multiple directions into the home while giving great views of the fields from the interior.

Maiden Tower by Marte.Marte Architects, Dafins, Austria

The tower structure in this project is a piece of a multi-volume plan of a private residence. The incorporation of a brutalist concrete volume creates a more dramatic look nestled into the hilly landscape. The strategic location and height of the tower also frames a beautiful view from the inside.

Finish Tower Rotseeby Andreas Fuhrimann Gabrielle Hächler Architects, Luzern, Switzerland

This recreation center on the river is a sculptural tower that transforms through the seasons by opening and closing its wall-like blinds. The wide ribbon windows and the open balcony frames breathtakingly expansive views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Tower Studio by Saunders Architecture, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The black exterior is an element of surprise that accentuates the natural beauty surrounding the tower. Like traditional towers, there are not many windows on its façade, but the angled skylights bring in ample natural light into this studio.

Casa Cien by Pezo von Ellrichshausen, Concepcion, Chile

This unique upside down T-shaped tower stands out in between natural green hills. The small scattered windows is a creative take on smaller windows of old towers and creates a rhythmic aesthetic while giving this residence a soft glow.

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