Drivers on rural roads north of Gresham, Oregon, often notice a tall, narrow wooden structure at the end of a driveway. Standing around 15 feet high, it features siding, a small pitched roof, and a glass panel at the bottom facing the driveway. It’s not a mailbox, deer feeder, or treehouse—it serves a completely different purpose.
Locals have nicknamed it the “driveway periscope.”
Solving a Visibility Problem
Many rural driveways meet the road at locations where hills, trees, or fences block the view, making it hard to see oncoming traffic. A common solution is a convex mirror across the street, but this structure tackles the problem differently. Using angled mirrors similar to a submarine periscope, the top section of the tower captures traffic on the road, and the reflections guide the view down to the bottom glass panel. Drivers can then check for approaching vehicles before pulling out safely.
No power, no electronics—just clever physics and thoughtful design.
Blending Function with Character Continue reading…
