An understated tower that enhances nature

To allow visitors to experience the Vecht valley to the fullest, the municipality of Dalfsen realized an elegant watchtower in the middle of a deciduous forest plot. The surrounding forest was carefully thinned out, preserving characteristic coppices. This subtle landscape intervention ensures that the tower blends naturally into its surroundings.

The design was deliberately kept sober: a slender, straight tower in which construction, stairs, landings and railings are made entirely of galvanized steel. The wooden facade of vertical slats gives the tower a recognizable silhouette. Between the slats, visitors experience ever-changing vistas of the landscape. As one gets higher, the slats are closer together, gradually limiting the view – building curiosity toward the viewing platform at 18 meters. The roof is beveled on two sides to frame the view toward the river as well as to minimize disturbance to breeding birds in the nearby coniferous forest.