Periscope
Unleashing the potential of sustainable living below ground
[ concept ]
Reality displacement as space enhancer & energy storage device.
Sustainability in architecture is no longer optional, it is essential. Metamorphic Art Studio’s innovative subterranean Periscope architecture addresses spatial constraints and environmental challenges. This underground residence integrates seamlessly with nature, featuring a central patio and lowered outdoor spaces that enhance natural lighting, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
The Periscope uniquely solves typical underground issues like limited daylight and views through a dynamic, periscope-inspired system of adjustable double mirrors set at 45-degree angles. These mirrors capture and redirect daylight and vistas deep into the interior, rising by day and descending discreetly at night, converting gravitational energy into electricity.
Integrated planters add greenery, further boosting sustainability. Despite its innovative features, the Periscope utilizes proven construction methods, demonstrating practical feasibility. Drawing inspiration from classical Roman and Palladian villas, it sustainably reinterprets traditional themes, reshaping perceptions and fostering dialogue between architecture and nature.
Designers & partners
The partners and designers listed below are united by a shared belief in the transformative potential of the Periscope project—a bold, four-dimensional exploration of architecture and perception. Their collaborative effort made the Venice exhibition possible, bringing the concept to life through the creation of a captivating scale model. Even at this reduced size, the magic of the moving mirrors reveals an entirely new world of spatial experience—evocative, immersive, and deeply inspiring. Together, this team is committed to demonstrating how architectural boundaries can be reimagined and expanded. Whether realized in its original design or adapted into a museum, headquarters, visitor center, nature reserve 'Oculus', or even the private home of a passionate collector, the Periscope has limitless potential.If you are inspired by this vision and would like to bring the project to life, you are warmly invited to get in touch.
[ designers ]
[ partners ]
Metamorphic Art Studio / concept
In a contemporary art landscape where the focus often leans towards replicating or surpassing the physical world with digital marvels, Metamorphic Art Studio charts a different course. Their artistic vision is to invert this trend, enriching the real world with a digital touch. Fuelled by the promise of a metamorphic reality, a realm where the physical characteristics of objects can be altered and morphed with intention. Within this intriguing intersection of the virtual and the adaptable physical world, an uncharted territory awaits exploration. In this hybrid space, Metamorphic Art Studio envisions a future for art, architecture and design that marries intelligence and sustainability with organic, four-dimensional ingenuity, achieving a harmonious integration like never before.
Claerhout-Van Biervliet Architects / architecture
Claerhout – Van Biervliet architects in Knokke, Belgium, is known for its craftsmanship, originality, and timeless designs. Driven by a passion for architecture, art and design, the studio creates quality projects tailored precisely to client’s needs. As architects, they skillfully blend functionality and elegance, seamlessly merging materials and forms. Their designs transcend trends, balancing innovation and tradition, and are distinguished by flowing lines and sculptural forms.
Studio Adriaan Claerhout / visuals & film
Studio Adriaan Claerhout is a creative professional studio dedicated to capturing the essence of spaces, leaving a powerful and lasting impression through visual storytelling. Specializing in architecture concept films, Studio Adriaan Claerhout skillfully combines composition, color, narrative, sound, and emotion to craft compelling imagery and videos that resonate deeply with audiences.
Group Ceyssens / glass & mirrors
Founded in 1965, Group Ceyssens specialises in project-specific glass solutions. They combine cutting-edge technologies with a state-of-the-art production process. Moreover, their glass production is 100% energy-neutral. In short, Group Ceyssens offers architectural and ecological glass solutions for every project.
Energreen / renewable energy & storage
The Energreen brand is the end result of strategic acquisitions across Belgium and the Netherlands, bringing together more than 100 years of combined expertise and industry knowledge. With over 25,000 installations annually across the Benelux region, Energreen has firmly established itself as the leading provider of sustainable energy solutions.
Düsterhus / telescopic & gravity motion
Founded in 1995, Düsterhus GmbH has grown from a small engineering firm in Detmold, Germany, into a global market leader specializing in customized electric telescopic lifting systems. Their telescopic actuators are utilized across diverse applications, ranging from large-scale industrial automation to distinctive, personalized residential installations. The “expand” product line stands out through its defining characteristic: flexibility.
ArcelorMittal / low carbon emission steel
ArcelorMittal is one of the world’s leading integrated steel and mining companies. It is the largest steel producer in Europe, among the largest in the Americas, and has a growing presence in Asia. ArcelorMittal developed the Steligence® concept because the company sincerely believes it can help architects, engineers, and developers work together to build more sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Moreover, ArcelorMittal intended for the Steligence® philosophy to be thoroughly underpinned by science, with every aspect based on peer-reviewed and unbiased scientific research.
Formando / scale model
Formando is a dedicated team of engineers, product designers, and creative experts specialized in high-quality 3D printing. They create a diverse range of products, including scale models, prototypes, production parts, artworks, and custom awards, serving industries like architecture, medicine, marketing, events, and more. Thanks to their broad expertise, advanced machinery, and efficient in-house workflow, Formando delivers fast and flexible solutions - even for tight deadlines and last-minute projects. Their technical skills and design excellence, combined with a workshop equipped with over 30 advanced 3D printers, laser cutters, vacuum machines, and finishing tools, ensure exceptional results from concept to completion. Formando stays ahead through innovation, personal service, and a genuine commitment to adding value and achieving complete client satisfaction.
Designers & partners
The partners and designers listed below are united by a shared belief in the transformative potential of the Periscope project—a bold, four-dimensional exploration of architecture and perception. Their collaborative effort made the Venice exhibition possible, bringing the concept to life through the creation of a captivating scale model. Even at this reduced size, the magic of the moving mirrors reveals an entirely new world of spatial experience—evocative, immersive, and deeply inspiring. Together, this team is committed to demonstrating how architectural boundaries can be reimagined and expanded. Whether realized in its original design or adapted into a museum, headquarters, visitor center, nature reserve 'Oculus', or even the private home of a passionate collector, the Periscope has limitless potential.If you are inspired by this vision and would like to bring the project to life, you are warmly invited to get in touch.
[ designers ]
Metamorphic Art Studio
/ concept
In a contemporary art landscape where the focus often leans towards replicating or surpassing the physical world with digital marvels, Metamorphic Art Studio charts a different course. Their artistic vision is to invert this trend, enriching the real world with a digital touch. Fuelled by the promise of a metamorphic reality, a realm where the physical characteristics of objects can be altered and morphed with intention. Within this intriguing intersection of the virtual and the adaptable physical world, an uncharted territory awaits exploration. In this hybrid space, Metamorphic Art Studio envisions a future for art, architecture and design that marries intelligence and sustainability with organic, four-dimensional ingenuity, achieving a harmonious integration like never before.
Claerhout-Van Biervliet Architects / architecture
Claerhout – Van Biervliet architects in Knokke, Belgium, is known for its craftsmanship, originality, and timeless designs. Driven by a passion for architecture, art and design, the studio creates quality projects tailored precisely to client’s needs. As architects, they skillfully blend functionality and elegance, seamlessly merging materials and forms. Their designs transcend trends, balancing innovation and tradition, and are distinguished by flowing lines and sculptural forms.
Studio Adriaan Claerhout
/ visuals & film
Studio Adriaan Claerhout is a creative professional studio dedicated to capturing the essence of spaces, leaving a powerful and lasting impression through visual storytelling. Specializing in architecture concept films, Studio Adriaan Claerhout skillfully combines composition, color, narrative, sound, and emotion to craft compelling imagery and videos that resonate deeply with audiences.
[ partners ]
Group Ceyssens
/ glass & mirrors
Founded in 1965, Group Ceyssens specialises in project-specific glass solutions. They combine cutting-edge technologies with a state-of-the-art production process. Moreover, their glass production is 100% energy-neutral. In short, Group Ceyssens offers architectural and ecological glass solutions for every project.
Energreen
/ renewable energy & storage
The Energreen brand is the end result of strategic acquisitions across Belgium and the Netherlands, bringing together more than 100 years of combined expertise and industry knowledge. With over 25,000 installations annually across the Benelux region, Energreen has firmly established itself as the leading provider of sustainable energy solutions.
Düsterhus
/ telescopic & gravity motion
Founded in 1995, Düsterhus GmbH has grown from a small engineering firm in Detmold, Germany, into a global market leader specializing in customized electric telescopic lifting systems. Their telescopic actuators are utilized across diverse applications, ranging from large-scale industrial automation to distinctive, personalized residential installations. The “expand” product line stands out through its defining characteristic: flexibility.
ArcelorMittal
/ low carbon emission steel
ArcelorMittal is one of the world’s leading integrated steel and mining companies. It is the largest steel producer in Europe, among the largest in the Americas, and has a growing presence in Asia. ArcelorMittal developed the Steligence® concept because the company sincerely believes it can help architects, engineers, and developers work together to build more sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Moreover, ArcelorMittal intended for the Steligence® philosophy to be thoroughly underpinned by science, with every aspect based on peer-reviewed and unbiased scientific research.
Formando
/ scale model
Formando is a dedicated team of engineers, product designers, and creative experts specialized in high-quality 3D printing. They create a diverse range of products, including scale models, prototypes, production parts, artworks, and custom awards, serving industries like architecture, medicine, marketing, events, and more. Thanks to their broad expertise, advanced machinery, and efficient in-house workflow, Formando delivers fast and flexible solutions - even for tight deadlines and last-minute projects. Their technical skills and design excellence, combined with a workshop equipped with over 30 advanced 3D printers, laser cutters, vacuum machines, and finishing tools, ensure exceptional results from concept to completion. Formando stays ahead through innovation, personal service, and a genuine commitment to adding value and achieving complete client satisfaction.
