UNStudio: observation tower for de onlanden

‘observation tower for de onlanden’ by UNStudio, groningen, netherlands all images courtesy of UNStudio

amsterdam-based practice UNStudio has proposed ‘observation tower for de onlanden’ located within the de onlanden nature reserve on the outskirts of groningen, netherlands. positioned along the forested boundary of the grounds, the 25 meter tall open-air stairway will project 5 meters above the tree line offering panoramic views of 3,000 hectares of natural landscape. visitors will pass a series of interim platforms as they ascend the 134 open riser steps which overlook the largest water storage area in the country. after the first series of stairs, at a height of 10 meters, visitors are guided along a path through a tree canopy. a second set of stairs and platform at 20 meters overlooks a nearby pasture and the skyline of the adjacent city of groningen. the final segment of the vertical journey turns away from the urban center and redirects attention to a 360 degree vista at an ultimate height of 24 meters.

stairs leading to 360 viewing platform

research conducted by a case study team of architects, engineers, and builders resolved to unite the architecture and construction of the cantilevered form. by introducing ultra high performance concrete, the properties of the high density mixture is reinforced with steel fibers to create an extremely fine grain texture. the material selection facilitates the high compressive forces of the form’s narrow dimensions. the construction will be additionally strengthened with steel at points of high tensile stresses and parapets bounding the stairs and platforms will be comprised of stainless steel mesh to ensure maximum transparency and safety.

model detail of 360 viewing platform

‘the netherlands enjoys a rich and textured natural landscape, but unfortunately the dutch topography is not very varied; we don’t have mountain ranges, or many hilly areas from which to enjoy a panoramic overview of our natural surroundings. the viewing tower for ‘de onlanden’ was designed to provide the opportunity to create a new awareness and different perspectives of the landscape we move through, but may otherwise never experience in all its scope.’ – ben van berkel, principal architect UNStudio

perspective

‘the observation tower afforded our inventive materials research platform the opportunity to investigate the properties of ultra high performance concrete and to truly test out the full potential of this new material in a real structure.’ – ben van berkel

elevation

circulation and views diagram

diagram of views and visibility according to heights

project info:

client: natuurmonumenten location: outskirts of drenthe (near city of groningen, eelde and peize) height: 25 m
 no. of steps: 134
 programme: observation tower
 status: design

credits: UNstudio: ben van berkel with arjan dingsté and marianthi tatari, marc hoppermann, kristoph nowak, tomas mokry, dorus faber case study partners: UNstudio
ABT, haitsma beton
bam utiliteitsbouw