Architect: NOHNIK
Client: Municipality of Kalmthout - Agency for Nature and Forest
Budget: € 750.000
Timing: 2019 - 2022
Status: Executed
Photographer: Jens Cools
Advisors: ABT (stability, techniques), O.C.B. (safety coordination)
The basis of the design is a steel truss structure, made up of several triangles and divided into segments, each 6 metres high.
The steel will have a green-grey coating with a natural look so that it can blend in with the environment in which the tower will be built.
The comfortable stairs and the various platforms will be constructed in wood.
At 12 and 24 metres, spacious viewing platforms of 6.4 x 6.4 metres were designed. High, safe parapets made of vertical wooden slats are provided for both the stairs and the viewing platforms.
A comfortable unit for the fire watch will be located at 30 metres. With an area of 15m², it will create a pleasant workplace with 360-degree views of the nature reserve. On top of the unit there is room for a technical room and Astrid's communication mast. The mast extends to the desired height of 42 metres and also provides space for telecom companies to connect equipment.
"The impact on the surroundings had to be as low as possible," executive architect Michaël De Roeck insists. "The planning and assembly also had to be ready on time so as not to cause any nuisance during the breeding season. This was taken care of by good preparation at the start of the works, with as many construction details as possible being clarified in 3D models. Subsequently, as much as possible was prepared in the workshop to speed up assembly on site".
