Denmark’s Camp Adventure is a nature-adventure tourist attraction on the island of Zealand, an hour’s drive south of Copenhagen.

Perhaps the biggest draw at Camp Adventure is the 45-meter tall Forest Tower, an accessible treetop observation tower that delivers breathtaking views of miles of protected forest. The Forest Tower was designed by a partnership of Danish architecture studio EFFEKT and Arup’s engineers.  

Our structural, civil and environmental design engineers were involved from the earliest concept design stage. The design of the 45-meter spiralling tower marries a unique piece of structural architecture to its natural context, allowing visitors to enjoy multiple vistas of the forest canopy. The brief for our team was to deliver a visually arresting observation tower that was sympathetic to its surrounds, while offering step-free access to all visitors. Key to this process was a close working partnership between our team and the architects, from inception to delivery. 

Made of weathered steel and locally sourced oak wood, the tower is designed to gently echo and blend in with the natural environment, making it a sympathetic vantage point from which visitors can enjoy unfettered views of the country’s largest treetop climbing park. 

Camp Adventure video cover
Impressions of Camp Adventure representatives and visitors at the official opening of the Observation Tower. © Kongshaug Productions

The geometry of the tower is governed by the ramp inclination requirements so that the viewing platform can be accessed by all visitors.

Digital tools help deliver complex geometries

Close collaboration with the architect and the client was integral to the successful delivery of a design proposal that showcased our advanced geometric modelling skills.  This approach, together with cutting edge design technology, meant the designers were able to evaluate different design solutions, while having immediate insight on the final budget impact. 

Engineers and architects also focused on optimising the use of steel, successfully executed by means of a digitally-driven process that helped determine the optimal height of 45 metres.

The geometry of the tower is also governed by the ramp inclination requirements so that the viewing platform can be accessed by all visitors. The use of our footfall modelling software helped ensure visitor comfort for such a complex walkway.

Camp Adventure spiralling walkway seen from the top