The rise of
periscope architecture
in modern construction
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Periscope architecture aspires to redefine how we build—pioneering innovative structures that shape a more sustainable world. The Periscope House is a bold exploration of this vision, seamlessly blending architecture with periscope-like elements to forge unique connections between subterranean living spaces and the surrounding landscape.
By building below ground level, the design challenges conventional basement environments, instead fostering a soft, stable microclimate. At the heart of the concept are vertically moving mirrored walls, angled precisely at 45 degrees. These dynamic elements open up surprising visual and spatial experiences—inviting light, views, and a sense of expansiveness underground.
Powered by solar energy, the telescopic mirror mechanisms rise with the sun. As they lower, their weight is harnessed as a gravity battery, storing energy for future use. This eco-conscious approach not only enhances performance but also embodies a poetic synergy between nature, technology, and design.
The Periscope House is more than a building—it is a living system. A fusion of sustainability, artistry, and transformation, it reimagines how architecture can evolve with the planet and seamlessly blend the physical and virtual worlds.
The rise of
periscope architecture
in modern construction
[ scroll tot learn more ]
Periscope architecture aspires to redefine how we build—pioneering innovative structures that shape a more sustainable world. The Periscope House is a bold exploration of this vision, seamlessly blending architecture with periscope-like elements to forge unique connections between subterranean living spaces and the surrounding landscape.
By building below ground level, the design challenges conventional basement environments, instead fostering a soft, stable microclimate. At the heart of the concept are vertically moving mirrored walls, angled precisely at 45 degrees. These dynamic elements open up surprising visual and spatial experiences—inviting light, views, and a sense of expansiveness underground.
Powered by solar energy, the telescopic mirror mechanisms rise with the sun. As they lower, their weight is harnessed as a gravity battery, storing energy for future use. This eco-conscious approach not only enhances performance but also embodies a poetic synergy between nature, technology, and design.
The Periscope House is more than a building—it is a living system. A fusion of sustainability, artistry, and transformation, it reimagines how architecture can evolve with the planet and seamlessly blend the physical and virtual worlds.
Space enhancing glass & mirrors
Glazing, in all its colourful, reflective facets, is central to every architectural design. Not only does it contribute to aesthetics, but it is also one of the key pillars in creating energy-efficient buildings.
The strategically placed mirrors used in the project maximise light reflection and create depth. At the same time, advanced glazing systems such as low-emissivity (Low-E) and dynamic glass optimise thermal comfort. Transparent glass elements enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor.
Due to the XXL dimensions of the mirrors (approximately 7.9 m in height) for the Periscope project, Group Ceyssens developed a custom ‘level system’ in stainless steel that will be mounted directly onto the base structure. This innovative solution allows for precise correction of any concave (bottom) or convex (top) deformation caused by gravity or movement within the primary structure. As a result, a pristine projection of the environment is always guaranteed.
Space enhancing
glass & mirrors
Glazing, in all its colourful, reflective facets, is central to every architectural design. Not only does it contribute to aesthetics, but it is also one of the key pillars in creating energy-efficient buildings.
The strategically placed mirrors used in the project maximise light reflection and create depth. At the same time, advanced glazing systems such as low-emissivity (Low-E) and dynamic glass optimise thermal comfort. Transparent glass elements enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor.
Due to the XXL dimensions of the mirrors (approximately 7.9 m in height) for the Periscope project, Group Ceyssens developed a custom ‘level system’ in stainless steel that will be mounted directly onto the base structure. This innovative solution allows for precise correction of any concave (bottom) or convex (top) deformation caused by gravity or movement within the primary structure. As a result, a pristine projection of the environment is always guaranteed.
Renewable energy & storage
As with most residential projects, the starting point is a set of 288 premium glass/ glass solar panels (440 Wp). The generated solar energy will be stored in a modular Energreen battery unit of 240 kWh, combined with an intelligent EMS, that can trade energy with the grid, also allowing the battery to charge at low solar activity periods (e.g. at night) when prices are low.
The stored energy in turn provides power to the lifting columns for opening up the ‘mirror roof structure’. The telescopic columns use an intelligent motor drive and generator module, that regains energy during load lowering. This regained energy is subsequently fed back into the battery for storage creating a semi-closed loop and optimal energy efficiency.
Renewable
energy & storage
As with most residential projects, the starting point is a set of 288 premium glass/ glass solar panels (440 Wp). The generated solar energy will be stored in a modular Energreen battery unit of 240 kWh, combined with an intelligent EMS, that can trade energy with the grid, also allowing the battery to charge at low solar activity periods (e.g. at night) when prices are low.
The stored energy in turn provides power to the lifting columns for opening up the ‘mirror roof structure’. The telescopic columns use an intelligent motor drive and generator module, that regains energy during load lowering. This regained energy is subsequently fed back into the battery for storage creating a semi-closed loop and optimal energy efficiency.
Draft calculation
of the energy process
(surface area 1.775m2)
Draft calculation of the energy process
[ download ]
Telescopic & gravity motion
Düsterhus GmbH’s lifting technology provides the Periscope with the basis for the up and down movement concept of the mirrors and masses. The lifting columns convert rotational motion into translational movement through motor-driven rotating multiple spindle systems that facilitate the lifting process.
Special gears ensure the optimal conversion of force and speed. Lifting systems can consist of a singular column or, as in this case, multiple columns working in parallel. An intelligent control unit ensures precise synchronization of the entire system. Düsterhus GmbH’s lifting solutions offer the ability to store the energy generated during load lowering. Using the intelligent motor drive and generator module, this energy can subsequently be fed back into storage.
This sustainable approach significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventional drive systems. By utilizing ball screws and corresponding gears, optimal efficiency is achieved, all the while maintaining minimal noise emissions.
Telescopic & gravity
motion
Düsterhus GmbH’s lifting technology provides the Periscope with the basis for the up and down movement concept of the mirrors and masses. The lifting columns convert rotational motion into translational movement through motor-driven rotating multiple spindle systems that facilitate the lifting process.
Special gears ensure the optimal conversion of force and speed. Lifting systems can consist of a singular column or, as in this case, multiple columns working in parallel. An intelligent control unit ensures precise synchronization of the entire system. Düsterhus GmbH’s lifting solutions offer the ability to store the energy generated during load lowering. Using the intelligent motor drive and generator module, this energy can subsequently be fed back into storage.
This sustainable approach significantly reduces energy consumption compared to conventional drive systems. By utilizing ball screws and corresponding gears, optimal efficiency is achieved, all the while maintaining minimal noise emissions.
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. At ArcelorMittal, we developed the Steligence® concept because we sincerely believe that we can help architects, engineers and developers work together to build more sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Moreover, we wanted our ArcelorMittal Steligence® philosophy to be thoroughly underpinned by science. Therefore, every aspect of it is based on peer-reviewed and unbiased scientific research.
With a holistic approach to construction, the concept encourages continuous innovation and enables the construction industry to analyze the social, economic and environmental impacts of different building options, maximize the use of intelligent steel, and develop buildings whose components complement each other optimally.
The engineering team of ArcelorMittal Steligence® produced the feasibility study and structural pre-dimensioning for the moving parts of The Periscope. These parts have the task of supporting the loads, ensuring the key function of stability and structural safety even in dynamic conditions, and at the same time meeting the specific functional, aesthetic and architectural functions of the building. The proposed structure is made with a truss system, built using hot-rolled sections. The structure is optimized by proposing a high strength steel grade.
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. At ArcelorMittal, we developed the Steligence® concept because we sincerely believe that we can help architects, engineers and developers work together to build more sustainable and cost-effective buildings. Moreover, we wanted our ArcelorMittal Steligence® philosophy to be thoroughly underpinned by science. Therefore, every aspect of it is based on peer-reviewed and unbiased scientific research.
With a holistic approach to construction, the concept encourages continuous innovation and enables the construction industry to analyze the social, economic and environmental impacts of different building options, maximize the use of intelligent steel, and develop buildings whose components complement each other optimally.
The engineering team of ArcelorMittal Steligence® produced the feasibility study and structural pre-dimensioning for the moving parts of The Periscope. These parts have the task of supporting the loads, ensuring the key function of stability and structural safety even in dynamic conditions, and at the same time meeting the specific functional, aesthetic and architectural functions of the building. The proposed structure is made with a truss system, built using hot-rolled sections. The structure is optimized by proposing a high strength steel grade.
Another important aspect is the reduced equivalent carbon content of the proposed material, moving towards a structure whose greater sustainability is achieved thanks to the structural optimization combined with our XCarb® low carbon emission steel.
Through a structural analysis, the sizing of the high and low structures was achieved. An iterative optimization was applied. The sizing allowed to establish the sections and the structural behavior of the system. This led to a tonnage estimation. Particular burdens of the structure are those of ensuring a level of rigidity such as not to compromise the architectural parts, including the mirrors, which have a key architectonical function in the project, and to be able to adequately transfer the loads to the mobile supports. This considering the consistent gravitational loads resulting from the green roof and the mirrors hung around the perimeter. The two complex structures must therefore be in tune with the support devices and their technology, ensuring correct compatibility.
Another important aspect is the reduced equivalent carbon content of the proposed material, moving towards a structure whose greater sustainability is achieved thanks to the structural optimization combined with our XCarb® low carbon emission steel.
Through a structural analysis, the sizing of the high and low structures was achieved. An iterative optimization was applied. The sizing allowed to establish the sections and the structural behavior of the system. This led to a tonnage estimation. Particular burdens of the structure are those of ensuring a level of rigidity such as not to compromise the architectural parts, including the mirrors, which have a key architectonical function in the project, and to be able to adequately transfer the loads to the mobile supports. This considering the consistent gravitational loads resulting from the green roof and the mirrors hung around the perimeter. The two complex structures must therefore be in tune with the support devices and their technology, ensuring correct compatibility.
Structural analysis loads
top structure
[ download ]
Material quantity estimation
top structure
[ download ]
Structural analysis loads
lower structure
[ download ]
Material quantity estimation
lower structure
[ download ]
Structural analysis loads
top structure
Material quantity estimation
top structure
Structural analysis loads
lower structure
Material quantity estimation
lower structure
