Drivers crossing the coastal border between Turkey and Georgia will now pass below a knobbly observation tower by Berlin architect J Mayer H.

The bumpy tower, which sits atop the Sarpi Border Checkpoint building, houses a series of elevated terraces within its folds.

Above: photograph is by Beka Pkhakadze

The curved two-storey building beneath the tower integrates customs facilities with a café, staff room and conference rooms.

This year architect J Mayer H also completed a controversial timber canopy across a public square in Spain - see readers' comments on the project here and see more projects by the architect here.

Photography is by Jesko Malkolm Johnsson-Zahn, apart from where otherwise stated.

Above: photograph is by Beka Pkhakadze

The text below is from J Mayer H Architects:

Sarpi Border Checkpoint in Georgia
Completion of Construction

November 2011 marks the completion of Sarpi Border Checkpoint. Designed by J Mayer H architects the customs checkpoint is situated at the Georgian border to Turkey, at the shore of the Black Sea.

Above: photograph is by Beka Pkhakadze

With its cantilevering terraces, the tower is used as a viewing platform, with multiple levels overlooking the water and the steep part of the coastline.

Above: photograph is by Beka Pkhakadze

In addition to the regular customs facilities, the structure also houses a cafeteria, staff rooms and a conference room.

Above: photograph is by Beka Pkhakadze

The building welcomes visitors to Georgia, representing the progressive upsurge of the country.

J Mayer H Architects
Project Team: Juergen Mayer H, Jesko Malkolm Johnsson-Zahn, Christoph Emenlauer

Project: 2010-2011
Completion: 2011

Client: Ministry of Finance of Georgia
Architects on Site: Beka Pkhakadze, Ucha Tsotseria

Building Company: JSC Transmsheni
Structural Engineering: LTD BWC

Structural Engineering of Tower: Nodar Edisherashvili