Weland takes observation to new heights

A new observation tower, aptly named Kärven, has been built at Getterön and is the latest addition to the Varberg skyline.
A hot-dip galvanized staircase supplied by Weland leads visitors safely up the 12-metre high structure to the viewing platform. From there, those intrepid enough to make the ascent can take in a 360 degree view of the nature reserve below. The architectural concept and design were the brainchild of the team at White Arkitekter.

In addition to incorporating the traditional function of an observation tower, Varberg Municipality also wanted the new attraction to boast elements seen nowhere else, that was accessible to as many people as possible, and something that would be an experience for both adults and children.

The team at White Arkitekter distilled these criteria down to what became Kärven, which, with its clear silhouette, design, and materials, sticks out in the landscape and is totally unlike other structures of its type. The tower itself is made from a series of straight, standard dimension wooden battens, fitted together like a three-dimensional puzzle. Upon entering the tower, visitors are greeted by a ground level room where they can take a break, protected from the elements outside, and on the climb up the tower, the ribbed design of the structure acts as an effective windbreak.

“In Sweden, Weland is almost synonymous with spiral staircases”

That’s according to Lukas Nordström, the lead architect on the team that developed Kärven.

– Our drawings demanded Weland. It’s a company that both delivers the necessary level of product quality and has expertise and know-how you can rely on. They’re also very flexible, which means that adaptations and customisation can be made, and that’s something I really appreciate, he says.

Göran Lagesson works as a salesman at Weland and, working in conjunction with the company’s design department, played a hand in producing the staircase solution. “We’ve been working very closely with both White Arkitekter and Ramboll, who’ve had turnkey responsibility for the design of the tower. It’s a collaboration that’s worked exceptionally well, he says.

This project is not the first time that Nordström and White Arkitekter have worked with Weland, and Nordström believes that each collaboration has been faultless.

– Good dialogue, fast responses to my questions, and a proactive approach to presenting possibilities and solutions. We’ve had a close and intensive dialogue in this project and the collaboration with both Weland and Ramboll has worked perfectly. I’m more than satisfied.

ABOUT KÄRVEN

Designed by White Arkitekter, Kärven is an hourglass-shaped timber tower comprising 140 wooden battens, each measuring 13 metres and joined together to form a weatherproof structure. A spiral staircase supplied by Weland leads visitors up to the upper level where they can enjoy magnificent panoramic views. The viewing platform features a standing table that runs the entire circumference of the tower, as well as a bench to sit on or for children to stand on and enjoy the view.

Publicerad: 2024-08-30