Project Description
FROM THE ARCHITECTS:
The Treetop Experience designed by Effekt, is a new and unique experience destination. A 600 meter treetop walk connected to a 45 meter tall observation tower creates a unique opportunity to take a walk above the treetops and experience the stunning nature of the preserved forest from another perspective. The tower and treetop walk is as a seamless continuous ramp that makes the forest accessible to all – regardless of their physical condition.
The Treetop Experience is located in the preserved forest, Gisselfeld Klosters Skove, one hour south of Copenhagen, Denmark. The forest is graced with several natural biotopes such as lakes, creeks and wetlands.
The route through the trees passes gently and sensitively through different varieties of forest, while minimizing the disturbance of the environment. The treetop walk is split into a higher and a lower walkway. The high walkway will pass through the oldest parts of the forest while the tower and the lower walkway are located in the younger areas. The high walkway also feature a series of activities for different user groups to learn and enjoy the forest qualities.
The culminating feature of the treetop walk is the tower and observation deck located 45 meters above the ground. The geometry of the tower is shaped to enhance the visitor experience, shunning the typical cylindrical shape in favor of a curved profile with a slender waist and enlarged base and crown. This does not only increase the stability of the tower but also increase the observation deck area at the top of the tower. Furthermore it also allows for better contact to the forest canopy.
The ramp of the tower also benefits from the hyperbolic form. While keeping a fixed gradient, the geometry and spacing of the ramp fluctuates according to the changing curvature. The ramp becomes a sculptural element in itself that makes the journey to the top a unique experience.
The ramp ends in a viewing platform with spectacular 360o panoramic views over the surroundings.
The form of the tower allows the use of straight structural elements resulting in a very stiff, efficient, and visually striking structure. The materials have been chosen with a sustainable and sensitive approach. Corten steel is used for all of the structural elements as it is maintenance-free and blends harmoniously with the colors of the forest, and the surface of the boardwalk and ramp is made from timber from the forest’s own production.
The new Treetop Experience will be part of Camp Adventure, an existing sports facility with treetop climbing paths and aerial zip lines up to 25 meters in height.