OPEN Architecture has already proven itself skilled at turning imaginative renders into real buildings with its Chapel of Sound and is now doing so again with its upcoming Sun Tower. The project is nearing completion and will pull double duty as both an observation tower and a remarkable sundial-like structure that marks the changing seasons.

The Sun Tower reaches a maximum height of 50 m (164 ft) in Yantai, eastern China. It’s situated on the beach, a stone’s throw from the sea, and is inspired by the area’s history of Sun worshipping, as well as its famous watchtowers, which were once used to warn the Chinese Emperor of possible seaborne attacks.

See Also:

This scientist believes he can turn you into a barbecue master

Structurally, the building is made up of white concrete, which has been carefully shaped to respond to the Sun’s trajectory. Round holes on its exterior are connected to a series of tubes, which channel natural light into the interior during the daytime. At night, its windows will be illuminated in a way designed to look like a starry sky. In addition to the building itself, its landscaping is very complex and will respond to the Northern Hemisphere’s Spring and Fall equinox.

Read more: New Atlas