The proposed tower in River Oaks will feature curved glass facades, triangular panels, flexible office floors and a rooftop terrace, with completion expected in 2028.
Texas-based architecture studio STG Design has unveiled plans for O27, a 32-storey office skyscraper proposed for Houston’s River Oaks area. The project will combine an undulating architectural form with flexible office spaces, luxury amenities and a rooftop terrace, introducing a distinctive design to the city’s commercial real estate sector.
Developed by Broadview Capital, the tower will feature two curved glass facades that fold around either side of the building. A central spine of terraces will run vertically through the structure, creating a visual break between the glass surfaces. The facade will use triangular glass panels designed to reflect changing daylight and give the exterior a shifting appearance.
The building will rise above a nine-storey base containing a parking garage and other facilities. According to STG Design, the project’s geometry was developed through an intensive computational design process to maintain efficient and repeatable office floorplates despite the tower’s curved form.
Key Architectural Features of O27
The design brings together curved forms, glass surfaces and functional office planning. Its main features include:
- 32-storey office tower: The building will accommodate flexible office floors alongside luxury amenities for occupants and visitors.
- Undulating tower form: The curved structure departs from the conventional straight-edged profile of many contemporary office buildings.
- Triangular glass facade: Repeating triangular panels will create a reflective exterior that changes in appearance with the movement of daylight.
- Vertical terrace spine: A series of terraces will extend along the central section of the building, separating the two curved facades.
- Nine-storey base: The podium will incorporate a parking garage and support the tower above.
- Rooftop terrace: The upper section will provide outdoor space as part of the building’s amenities.
Interior Design and Entrance Features
International design practice Design ALT + TAB is responsible for the entrance drive and lobby design. The entrance will feature a sculpted ceiling integrated with lighting intended to evoke a night sky. A double-height, glass-clad lobby will establish the main arrival space.
Interior renderings show the use of metallic bronze finishes, black-and-white marble surfaces and curved seating. These elements continue the building’s emphasis on flowing forms beyond the exterior facade.
Broadview Capital said the project was influenced by the developers’ admiration for Houston’s Williams Tower, designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. The reference connects O27 with the city’s architectural history while introducing a different approach to office tower design.
River Oaks Location and Project Timeline
River Oaks is known for its historic estates, luxury shopping and established residential character. The developers intend O27 to serve as a geographic marker for the area, with its architectural design reflecting the neighbourhood’s history of planned development and distinctive buildings.
The project is expected to be completed in 2028. Its development will add to Houston’s evolving architectural portfolio, which includes new commercial, cultural and mixed-use projects.
STG Design, headquartered in Austin, Texas, was founded in 1976. The studio’s proposal for O27 reflects an approach that combines computational design, workplace planning and expressive building forms. Once completed, the tower is expected to contribute a new architectural feature to Houston’s office market.
Reference- www.dezeen.com
