In the Getterön nature reserve north of Varberg, sea and land meet in a vibrant wetland with a rich birdlife. We were commissioned to design the site’s observation tower – the town’s new landmark. The Kärven Observation Tower is a three-dimensional puzzle that affirms the value of the site and creates a stimulating environment for curious visitors.
As White Arkitekter took part in an architectural competition arranged by the city of Varberg for a landmark observation tower, the design of a three-dimensional woven structure built in wood started to take shape. The brief called for an iconic structure with a viewing platform in a stimulating and experiential environment that would attract a range of visitors.
Client: Varbergs kommun
Entrepreneur: MTA Bygg & Anläggning
Place: Getterön, Varberg, Sweden
Status: Completed 2024
Size/area: 12m högt 7m brett
Photo: Felix Gerlach
The winning proposal is to be constructed with 140 wooden ribs that form a three-dimensional woven structure. White’s design development was led by the hyperboloid construction principle, made up with a lattice of straight beams the tower creates the illusion of being curved. With a simple and clear form, the hourglass-shaped scheme will be visible from the city’s northern areas, including the nearby railway and the main entrance road. Located in a flat landscape on the border where land meets sea, the observation tower, which will be free to access, will offer visitors uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
The jury stated that White Arkitekter’s proposal distinguishes itself with a form that provokes thought and raises questions from the viewer – how can something straight be perceived as curved?
The tower will form part of the development of Varberg’s new ecological recreation area at the Getterön nature reserve.
Lukas Nordström
Architect
+46 721 73 32 84
Mattias Lind
Lead Architect
Ulla Antonsson
Lead Architect
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