Buildable
A defined kit system created to help move from idea to construction with clear phases, organized components, and a practical path to execution.
Studio Model
Perched above the landscape, our Studio Model offers a compact elevated retreat designed for simplicity, views, and outdoor living. With an efficient interior sleeping space and generous exterior areas, it creates a memorable escape for two without the complexity of a larger footprint. Whether used as a private hideaway, a weekend retreat, or a distinctive short-stay experience, the Studio Model brings the Lookout Tower concept into its most minimal and accessible form.
Studio Model
EXTERIOR
FLOOR 1
FLOOR 2
The Studio Model introduces the Lookout Tower experience in its most compact and efficient form, preserving the iconic 35-foot profile while reducing the overall footprint. Designed for simplicity, outdoor living, and short-stay flexibility, it includes approximately 196 sq.ft of interior heated area, 272 sq.ft of main-level deck space, and 470 sq.ft of Entertainment Floor exterior area. With approximately 938 sq.ft of total built area including decks, the Studio Model is organized across 2 levels, features an open studio sleeping area, and sleeps up to 2 guests. Bathrooms are not included in this model and are intended to be provided separately or through site-specific planning.
Views, clearing, and immersion
The Studio Model gives the landscape a direct role in the experience of the tower. With a compact interior and generous outdoor areas, the stay is shaped by the relationship between the main sleeping space, the surrounding deck, and the open-air Entertainment Floor below.
This model works especially well on sites where a smaller footprint can be used to preserve trees, reduce visual impact, and frame one strong view. The main level can open toward the most valuable direction of the property, while the lower entertainment area creates a more grounded outdoor setting for relaxing, gathering, or taking in the surrounding landscape.
The Studio Model is well suited for owners who want a simple, private, and memorable elevated retreat. It offers the essential Lookout Tower experience in a lighter, more efficient format, balancing intimacy, outdoor living, and a strong connection to nature.
Features
Total Height
35’
Interior Heated Areas
461 (sq.ft) *Including Entreteinment
Exterior Areas
272 (sq.ft)
Total Built Areas
938 (sq.ft)
Number of Levels
2
Number of Bedrooms
1
Number of Bed Places
2
Number of Bathrooms
0 In Base Model – (Optional Upgrade)
Bathroom Planning
Designed for a glamping-focused experience.
The Studio Model does not include an integrated bathroom in its base configuration. It is designed primarily as a glamping-focused elevated retreat, where bathroom facilities are typically provided separately on site.
When required, a fully enclosed bathroom can be added as a site-specific upgrade, commonly positioned near or below the stair area on the intermediate level to serve guests without altering the compact studio experience.
Site-Specific Upgrade
Final bathroom placement depends on the project layout, plumbing strategy, local code requirements, foundation approach, and engineering review.
Experience our towers.
Visit our nationwide network of customer built showcases.
Unlike many of the companies that offer tower designs online, our plans have stood the ultimate test: they’ve been built.
Interested in building your own
Lookout Tower?
Lookout Towers Kits are designed for landowners who want to create an iconic retreat in nature through a defined building system. Each kit organizes the project into clear components, from the structural frame to the exterior finishes and furniture package. The goal is to make the process easier to understand, easier to coordinate, and easier to execute with a qualified local contractor. Rather than starting from a fully custom project with too many unknowns, you begin with a tower system that has already been designed, packaged, and organized for construction.
Experiential
An elevated tower design focused on views, outdoor living, privacy, and a stronger connection with the surrounding landscape.
Flexible
Available in multiple configurations, including 20×20, 20×32, and 20×40 models, allowing the tower to adapt to different uses, sites, and guest capacities.
Premium
Built around structural timber, durable materials, architectural finishes, and a furniture package designed to support a complete hospitality experience.
Lookout Towers Kits Inquiry
FAQ
The kit is organized into defined packages that may include the Structural Timber Frame Package, Terminations & Envelope Package, and Furniture & Final Elements Package, depending on the selected scope.
The system is designed to provide the primary tower components, documentation, assembly logic, and package organization needed to move from timber frame to enclosed and furnished living.
Site-specific items are not automatically included unless defined in the project agreement.
- Land
- Property survey
- Soil test
- Permit fees and municipal fees
- Foundation construction
- Utilities and septic systems
- Crane, equipment rental, and local inspections
- Local contractor labor unless contracted separately
- Landscaping and exterior site work
Depending on the selected model, the tower footprint is available in 20 ft × 20 ft, 20 ft × 32 ft, and 20 ft × 40 ft configurations.
Each configuration maintains the same architectural concept while offering different interior capacity, guest capacity, and spatial experience.
The tower has a total height of approximately 35 feet. This height is designed to work within common building regulations across many jurisdictions.
In some locations, the structure may be permitted to reach a greater height depending on local regulations, site conditions, and engineering requirements.
Yes. Certain design elements can be adapted based on the site, selected model, intended use, and project agreement.
Customization may include layout adjustments, finish selections, window orientation, deck orientation, enclosure options, and selected add-ons. Custom modifications beyond the standard system may require additional review, pricing, and documentation.
Yes. Once the project moves forward, Lookout Towers prepares the documentation required for the selected scope, including architectural drawings, permit documentation, construction drawings, and assembly information where applicable.
Insulation and conditioning depend on the local climate, code requirements, selected enclosure options, and final project scope.
Typical systems may include cold-climate heat pumps or ductless mini-split systems. Final specifications are coordinated with the local contractor and applicable design requirements.
Yes. Window configurations, blackout curtains, and selected window treatments can be used to reduce light exposure in specific areas, including the Crow’s Nest or bedroom level.
The standard design uses external stair circulation. This helps preserve interior space and reinforces the tower’s vertical outdoor experience.
Interior stair configurations may be developed as a custom design approach, but they require additional space, structural coordination, and project-specific review.
The standard design uses a ladder to access the Crow’s Nest. Alternative solutions, such as a compact spiral stair, may be possible but require additional space, structural coordination, and design review.
Yes. The elevated design can work well on both flat and sloped sites. Sloped land may even enhance the tower experience by improving views, access sequence, and site presence.
Final feasibility depends on soil conditions, access, foundation design, local regulations, and contractor execution.
Yes. A qualified local contractor is required to manage permitting, site preparation, foundations, local labor, inspections, utilities, systems installation, and final construction execution.
Lookout Towers provides the timber frame kit system, documentation, package organization, and technical guidance according to the project agreement.
Project timelines vary depending on site conditions, permitting, contractor availability, production scheduling, selected packages, and delivery logistics.
As a general reference, design and preconstruction may take several weeks, fabrication may take several additional weeks, and on-site construction may take a few months depending on the local contractor and project scope.
The first step is to complete the build inquiry form and share basic information about your land, intended use, timeline, and project goals.
Once submitted, the Lookout Towers team will review your inquiry and contact you if the project appears aligned with the kit process.