Lookout tower

Situated on a cliff-top site eighteen metres above sea level, with spectacular views of the sea and the city of Helsinki, the ten-metre tower is a delicately transparent landmark for Korkeasaari Island. The free form is inspired by its natural setting: it follows the existing low stone wall and skirts around a small birch grove.

The load bearing gridshell structure consists of 72 gluelam battens, with timber sections of 60 mm x 60 mm bent and twisted on site from seven preformed types. Over 600 bolted joints hold the shell structure together. The tower was a HUT Wood Studio project in 2000-2002 and Ville’s graduation project.

Location
Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki
Competition
Student competition 1999, 1st prize Design and construction
Design and construction
2000-2002
Gross floor area
82 m²
Client
Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki City
Photos
Jussi Tiainen