Double Award Winner
Austin Touchstone Builders receives both the ICF Builder Award and People's Choice Award at the 2026 ICF Builder Awards for the GSR Observatory.
🏆 ICF Builder Award
⭐ People's Choice Award
Austin Touchstone Builders receives both the ICF Builder Award and People's Choice Award at the 2026 ICF Builder Awards for the GSR Observatory.
The largest private observatory in North America, located in Dripping Springs, Texas.
A monolithic concrete pier running through all three floors, providing the ultra-stable foundation required for precision astronomical observation.
Hand-fabricated copper dome with 360° rotation capability, allowing full sky access for the observatory's telescope system.
Complete rainwater harvesting system providing sustainable water supply for the entire facility, showcasing environmental responsibility.
Innovative illuminated gutter setup, first of its kind, featuring built-in rain catchment.
ATB gives special thanks to these talented team members for their exceptional craftsmanship.
Metal Fabrication
Eric Spille
Dome, gutter system, railings and steel structure
Low Voltage Tech
Ian Shaw
Electrical
Marcus Myer
Cabinets
Jonathan Parry
Countertops & Sills
Demetri Montez
Plumbing
Zachary Kirst
Framing
Phillip Massoletti
"I love, love, love this building — I can't spend enough time in it! Austin Touchstone Builders created something truly extraordinary with my three-story observatory. Their attention to detail, craftsmanship, originality, and creative ingenuity were second to none. The end result is not just a building, but a masterpiece I get to play in and enjoy every single day."
The ICF Builder Awards recognize excellence in insulated concrete form construction across multiple categories, celebrating the builders, designers, and projects that push the boundaries of what's possible with ICF technology.
Awards are presented annually at the World of Concrete conference in Las Vegas, bringing together industry leaders to honor outstanding achievement in sustainable, resilient construction.