Until recently the estate which is specialized in exotic tree species was used for forestry and educational purposes. With the development of a number of new additions the estate is going to be opened up for a larger audience. In a competition we were invited to make a coherent proposal for three architectural objects; a watchtower, a tunnel and a visitor center.

Our design for the watchtower focuses on the experience of specific parts of trees such as the roots, the leaves, the trunk and the foliage. A continuous spiraling wooden route around a core focuses on the surroundings and offers a panorama over the tree tops from the highest point.

client : Landgoed Schovenhorst Foundation