A metal walkway elevated above dense, green and yellow treetops, with people standing along the railings, enjoying the surrounding forest and distant observation tower under a blue sky.
Westonbirt Vantage Point

Westonbirt Vantage Point

Gloucestershire, England

2009

Client   Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Westonbirt Heritage Vantage Point combines a walkway scheme with a lookout tower of lightweight steelwork and native timber that will provide visitors with a unique experience of the landscape and heritage of Westonbirt – both an up close experience of the trees and the opportunity for appreciation of the wider surroundings. The scheme is to be located in the Silkwood area of the arboretum with easy access to existing and proposed car park and welcome facilities.
Black and white architectural section drawing showing a landscape with trees of varying sizes, ground contours, and dashed vertical guide lines; measurement markers are labeled along the bottom.
Two people stand on green grass beneath tall trees with autumn leaves. An elevated walkway winds through the treetops above them, blending with the natural scenery under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
Three abstract architectural sketches; the first shows a winding path through a landscape, the second features geometric grid patterns, and the third combines building elements with organic shapes and trees.

Designed to blend subtly with the woodland, the structure is secondary in visual presence to its surroundings. The design addresses four key areas:

  1. User Experience: The elevated walkway offers immersive views not possible from the ground. Divided into short sections with passing points, it invites exploration and interpretation throughout the journey.
  2. Materials: Constructed from kiln-dried Douglas Fir and oiled English Oak, the walkway will feature a textured contrast that evolves over time. Timber slats are angled to reveal or obscure views, enhancing the experience from both above and below.
  3. Construction: The walkway uses a slender truss-parapet system that is efficient and visually minimal. The elegant spans avoid complexity, letting materials and setting define the character. A delicate, twisting truss forms the primary structure, blending it into the forest.
  4. Form: A helical tower creates varied interpretive experiences and views at canopy and emergent levels. A central void allows for suspended artworks, adding cultural depth to the natural setting.
A modern metal observation platform rises above the treetops in a forest, supported by tall triangular beams, surrounded by green and yellow foliage under a clear sky.
A group of people stands and walks on a geometric wooden observation deck surrounded by trees, with one person reading an informational sign under a canopy.
A close-up of a metal and wood pedestrian bridge with railings, viewed from above, overlooking a lush green forest below. Sunlight casts shadows across the bridge and leaves.
A modern observation tower with a glass or metal canopy rises above a dense, green and orange forest, blending with the treetops. A few people stand on top, enjoying the elevated view under a clear sky.
A wooden walkway with metal railings extends through lush, green treetops under a partly cloudy sky, offering a scenic view of a forest canopy.
Architectural drawings of a spiral observation tower, showing side views, sections, and elevation with trees for scale. The design highlights the helical staircase and platform atop a slender vertical structure.
Partner
Contractor
William Haley Engineering

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