White Arkitekter, a renowned Swedish architecture studio, has unveiled the 12-meter-tall Observation Tower Kärven in the Getterön nature reserve on Sweden’s west coast. The tower, which won an architectural competition by Varberg Municipality, showcases innovative and sustainable design.
The Kärven tower rises from the landscape with a design White Arkitekter describes as “visually striking simplicity, like a bundle of twisted straws.” Made from 140 timber beams and metal rings, its hyperboloid shape blends natural elegance with structural innovation.
The lattice of timber beams forms the tower’s distinctive hourglass shape. Though it appears curved from afar, closer inspection shows it’s made of straight beams, cleverly arranged to create the illusion of curvature.
The Kärven project required close collaboration between architects and structural engineers. Lead architect Lukas Nordström highlighted the need for both teams to understand each other’s work, resulting in a seamless blend of design and engineering that balances aesthetics with functionality.
Located in the Getterön nature reserve, famous for its birdlife and wetlands, the Kärven Observation Tower provides stunning views of the landscape. Visitors enter through a metal-framed opening into a sheltered space before ascending a spiral staircase to the open-air observation deck, offering panoramic views of the reserve.
The observation deck is an architectural highlight, framed by the rising timber beams that also act as a balustrade, enveloping visitors in the tower’s web-like design. A geometric bench surrounds the staircase, inviting guests to pause and enjoy the stunning views.
Notably, the Kärven tower was constructed efficiently, with each of the 140 timber beams installed on-site in just two minutes. The entire assembly took a little over a week, thanks to the combination of timber and metal and the use of parametric modeling software for precise planning and execution.
The design process used Grasshopper, a parametric design software, to map the mathematical relationships needed for the tower’s complex structure. This technology was key to achieving its intricate geometry while promoting sustainable, local construction. Local contractors assembled the tower using standard timber dimensions and no special tools, highlighting its simplicity and sustainability.
The Kärven Tower was created to fulfill Varberg Municipality’s vision of a landmark that attracts visitors and enhances the natural beauty of the area. White Arkitekter successfully designed a structure that serves as both a viewing platform and a symbol of architectural and environmental harmony. Its three-dimensional woven form not only captivates the eye but also enriches the surrounding landscape.
