
The stunning Boomslang walkway is a permanent attraction at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and provides amazing views of one of the country’s most celebrated arboretums. It was named after a species of poisonous snake, whose name means tree snake, to mimic the serpent’s sinuous journey through the tree tops. Measuring 430 feet long, the walkway reaches up to 40 ft high, and offers tranquil views of Table Mountain’s eastern slopes.
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The walkway features 10 steel columns, which are topped by prefabricated, laser cut galvanized steel components in the shape of ribs that support the decked high lane. The path’s design highlights the location of key trees and there are even holes in the sustainable pine deck that give trees freedom to flourish. And to make the structure blend into the environment, the architects applied a special paint to the galvanized steel that attracts algae.
+ Mark Thomas architects
Via Dezeen
Photos by Adam Harrower