Wooden Observation Tower, Helsinki, Finland

During the summer of 2002, architectural students from four countries took part in the design and construction of a light, 10 m high, two-storey tower shell construction, resembling the concept of a woven basketwork. The load-bearing frame consists of 72 full size wooden pieces, altogether 12 m long, glue-laminated members, battens, each composed of four, 15 mm thick and 60 mm wide spruce laminate. This article presents information on the design, foundation details, analysis, construction and the protection and maintenance.