The Schovenhorst Estate is known for its unique variety of trees. Beginning in 1848, the founder of the Estate collected seeds from across the world in order to find out which species would grow in the headlands near Putten. This created four collections of species flourishing in the area; the small and the large Pinetum, the Arboretum and the Three Continents forest.
The Forest Tower is an additional element to the Estate, a lookout tower from which surrounding trees can be taken in. As opposed to creating a vertical ascension, SeARCH designed the tower as a condensed path, with each facet of the promenade looking out over the forest. The branches of the tower accommodate several perspectives along the route; at times a view of heaven, then of only branches, the ground or a panorama. At 30 meters above ground, one can climb over a net and then, just a bit higher, attend a performance within a small theatre. The tower’s summit is not the expected lookout platform, but instead, a part of the forest itself. This elevated platform provides ground not only for experimentation with conifer growth, but also a powerful experience of ascending to a higher place.
Trees were specially selected and planted at the Estate three years previous to the tower in preparation for their unique new home in the sky on top of the 17 meter, 480 ton platform. For special occasions, a tipi can be folded around the tower’s core.
Looking up from below, the surrounding woods are reflected on the bottom of the platform by a rust free steel plate, further blurring the lines between the tower and the forest.
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