Fire lookout Kalmthout
The Belgian Kalmthout Nature Reserve has welcomed a 42-meter-high landmark. A moss-gray coloured steel construction with “Escher-like” wooden stairs.
The fire lookout is crucial to the protection of nature on the Kalmthoutse Reserve. In 2011, 600 hectares of nature were destroyed by a large forest fire. The tower is there primarily for safety, but also makes the area more experienceable for visitors.
The basis of the design consists of a steel structure constructed of triangles. The construction is divided into equal segments of 6 meters high each time. Twisting the segments in a regular manner relative to each other creates a dynamic sculpture. From every angle, this makes the silhouette of the tower different. Within the steel construction, the stairs and platforms form a contrasting wooden core. These are oriented alternately in all wind directions. The image is reminiscent of Esscher’s penrose stairs. The color and material combination of wood and steel allows the tower to blend into its surroundings.
Spacious viewing platforms have been designed at a height of 12 meters and 24 meters. At the top of the tower, the fire watch post can be found at a height of 30 meters, with the communication mast above it reaching 42 meters.
Year: 2022
Type: architecture
Client: municipality of Kalmthout, Nature and Forest Agency, Telecom operator Astrid are the commissioning project partners.
Size: 42m high
I.c.w. Bureau Bouwtechniek and ABT
Status: built
