nartarchitects transforms lookout tower into shelters for hikers in hungary

nartarchitects transforms lookout tower into shelters for hikers in hungary
(above) night lights
all images courtesy of nartarchitects

‘lookout tower’ is a project is located in the center of the 1100-kilometer long ‘blue national tourist route’ in the north of hungary between hills. designed by nartarchitects, the innovative tower has a contextual impact on galyateto, the third highest mountain in hungary, that will enhance the experience of visiting this place located in high altitudes, thanks to a found object made of stone. the materials used are quite puritan while the harmony of the extant stone quarry and exposed concrete prevails in the building’s reconstruction and extension. together the old and new materials create a contemporary built environment.

lurking object

the ‘galyateto lookout tower’ is the highest among the lookout towers in hungary. throughout the years, the trees have grown above the building’s top level, surrounding and accompanying it. the top level was elevated in the form of a reinforced concrete addition. in the inner core of the extension’s concrete structure, three bivouac shelters lighted with colourful circular windows can be found, creating a special atmosphere for the hikers who seek a place to rest rest along their journey. after the significant structural reconstruction, the retained outer wall also plays a new role. the double mass of the inner core and the encircling steel stair-system is closed with a fine, rare woven stainless steel mesh on the external plane of the stairs.

video courtesy of nartarchitects

on the way up

winter metamorphosis

morning lights

one of the bivak shelters

bivak shelter in use

view from the shelter

országos kéktúra – the hungarian blue tour hiking trail 

the old and the new

night horizon

plans

project info:

architects: csaba kovacs, aron vass-eysen

project year: 2016

location: galyateto, matraszentimre, 3234 hungary

architect collaborator: agoston szenthe

structural engineer: balazs puskas

electrical engineer: ferenc rajkai

photos: tamas bujnovszky, mark tassy, andras ladocsi, csaba kovacs, aron vass-eysen; kata garancsi

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom