OBSERVATION TOWER

In Holmers Halkenbroek, a nature re-development, Tentech realized a wooden lookout tower. This small step outside the membrane world brought Tentech the “Houtinnovatieprijs 2006”, the wood innovation award of 2006.

The tower’s main structure is built out of “dunningshout” (“thinned wood”). This wood comes from young trees which are cut down during wood-production to make place for other trees. By pre-tensioning the wood, the trunks were suitable for structural use.

The geometry of the tower is defined by a hyperboloid, measuring 7.5 meter in diameter and 15 meter high. This 44form is created by rotating girders around its longitudinal axis. Due to this geometry the connection-knots could be standardized. The knots were detailed in such a way that the non-impregnated trunks could be replaced easily. The floors are made out of European wood and are suspended from the main-construction. The stairs and balustrades are made out of galvanized steel.

With the building-system of knots and bolts, it is possible to make space-frame constructions of many kinds.

Specifications

Customer:: Dienst Landelijk Gebied Regio Noord
Client:: Staatsbosbeheer Regio Noord
Architect:: Tentech, Peter de Vries
Year:: 2005
Services:: architectural and structural design, detailed technical design, engineering, project management
Materials:: native larch thinned woord (wood obtained from the thinning of forests), european oak, galvanized steel
Surface:: 44m2

Projects

More projects

Textile architecture projects

The covering of a courtyard, canopies or stadiums… Tentech is part of the building team when textile and complex geometric shapes are used in new or existing architecture. Often we are responsible for a specific part of the design. In dialogue with the architect, contractor and client, we achieve an optimal contribution.

The design…

Our designs are characterized by sculptural quality and clean detailing, along with requirements of the location and usage of the structure. Combined they result into strong architectural concepts, in which aesthetics goes hand in hand with safe usage.

…and more

Our work doesn’t end with the realization of the technical design. We focus on all aspects of the design and production process that have an impact on textile architecture. Therefore, we are involved with all phases of the design process: from project definition, composition and preliminary design to the technical design, quotation, workshop drawings and maintenance. Supervising production, translating design into tailor made cutting patterns and connections, and assistance in the search and selection of the right market participants, are also part of our services. In our view, this is part of ‘modern craftsmanship’.

Services:

architectural design
structural design
engineering
detailed technical design
project management
project coordination
research and development