Located on theSchovenhorst Country Estate, the building sets off an exciting journey for its guests right at the base of the tower, indicated by a brightly painted stairway. A ramp curves out of the tower and swoops around, giving a clear view of the surrounding environment before swinging back to the center columns. Visitors will find themselves at the first platform, a wood paneled room open at the end, where small holes in the panel reveal boxes filled with birds nests.
The stairs then wrap around inside and take a sudden trip straight out and back agian into the tower. Another level sits high above the forest floor, but a stable floor has been replaced by a stretchy net. Popping your head through one of the circles in the ceiling means finding yourself in the middle of a small theater, which sits below areflecting ceiling.
The last flight of stairs leads to the top and reveals a 17 meter disk covered with trees. The platform weighs in at 480 tons, set30 meters above ground. With an equally massive concrete plate at the base of the tower holding it in place, there is plenty of space to take in the view of one of Europe’s most unique wooded landscapes.
SeARCH Architects
Via Eikongraphia
Photographs © Michiel van Raaij
