In the master plan for the Hoge Kempen National Park, a new walking route is proposed that connects the various recreational facilities around Pietersheim Castle. The highlight of this route is a tower from which visitors can enjoy the magical view over the vast pine forests.

The walk ends in a spectacular fashion: at the park’s highest point, the path suddenly spirals upward among the tree trunks. A spiral staircase leads to a panoramic platform.

The form of the tower is designed to maximize the forest experience. The staircase winds closely around and alongside the tree trunks. While climbing, visitors can touch the trees and branches, observe them from top to bottom—and, if they wish, even smell the bark.

To enhance the dynamic and experiential quality of movement, the inclination of the staircase is intentionally varied—just as natural forest trails fluctuate in slope. The staircase starts with a gentle incline, becomes gradually steeper, and just when the visitor begins to tire, it eases again. This moment coincides with the tower piercing through the tree canopy.

At the top, the platform can accommodate around 20 people—roughly the size of a small school group. A canopy partially covers the platform, offering shelter from rain. A bench runs along the perimeter for resting, and a large central table makes picnicking possible.

The exact position of the tower within the forest has not yet been determined. The wooded hilltop is densely vegetated, primarily with Scots pine, interspersed with clusters of birch trees. Ideally, the staircase will be built at the heart of the forest, incorporating existing trees into the spiral. No trees need to be felled. A newly constructed earthen path will connect the tower to the existing network of trails and firebreaks.

The concept allows the staircase to be constructed at any suitable location in the forest. The final positioning can therefore be determined later in line with the master plan and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The tower’s structure is simple and reinforces the design concept: only the staircase is visible from within the forest, enhancing the tower’s mysterious presence.

The platform rests on a sturdy 25-meter-high trunk made from Norwegian Thermo Pine. Twelve stainless steel cables connect the tower to ground anchors and provide overall stability. The self-supporting wooden staircase, clad in plywood, is suspended between these tension cables and held in place by several horizontal braces. The foundation anchors can be installed using lightweight jet drilling.

The design allows the tower to be constructed from lightweight components that can be assembled on site. Materials can be transported using light vehicles to avoid disturbing the forest floor.