FOR THE SAKE OF SPIRITUAL TRANQUILITY, THE RW CONCRETE CHURCH IS !

The photographs were taken by Stijn Poelstra and were compiled by Team IAnD. Courtesy of Zecc Architecten BV In the Dutch province of Overijssel, an ancient water tower has been transformed into a stunning architectural landmark known as the watchtower. This watchtower now provides a view of De Wieden from every angle. This is the tale of a flight of stairs that lead you up to a height of 45 meters, where through four expansive windows, a panoramic view of the scenic landscape unfolds, enthrals, and holds you captive. The location of this story is in the middle of a protected nature reserve that is owned by Nature Monuments. There is a closed staircase that goes to the first floor at a height of four meters, and it is designed by Zecc Architects. The trip upstairs starts with this staircase. You are now in a chamber that is 24 meters tall and has a collection of ancient and modern staircases. This room is where you have arrived. Utilizing a natural material that is raw and unpolished, the new steps made of wood provide warmth to the tower, which is a direct contrast to the severe concrete walls of the tower. This is a figurative assertion made to the customer, Nature Monuments, by using a construction material that is natural. Spatial interaction is produced with the addition of the new path, which is complimentary to the one that was already in place. As opposed to the original stairs, which ascended up beside the walls, the new steps create a zigzag pattern across the tower in order to give the impression of more space. In order to reach the level of the floor right below the enormous concrete reservoir that is 28 meters in height, the new steps have been constructed. From this level, where the old steps led up through a narrow opening beside the outside of the tank, a steel winding staircase now leaves from the floor which is below the reservoir and runs all the way through to the bottom of the tank that is empty. In the process of gradually winding up alongside the walls, they heighten the spatial experience of the reservoir, which is the core of the tower. After gaining an understanding of the significance of the enormous amount of water that was formerly needed to provide water pressure for the whole area, you experience a sense of weakness as a visitor. You have arrived at the lookout post when you have reached the highest point of the tower. The ‘lid’ of the tank has been partially removed in order to build stairs that will provide groups situated at the look-out station with a more comprehensive perspective of the area. Because of the translucent raster floor, you will feel as if you are standing in the exact center of the tank that you are in. A total of four huge windows have been installed in addition to the four smaller windows that were already there, therefore completing the view of De Wieden. As you take in the surrounding scenery, your curiosity transforms into unbridled enthusiasm. A significant amount of effort was required to repurpose the water tower. Not in the least because of the procedural actions that were required to change the zoning plan or to eliminate any objections or doubts from the residents of the surrounding area, who frequently consider the tower to be their communal property; rather, because the water tower is a national monument, which made it difficult to make changes to the exterior of the tower and to interfere with the reservoir. The architects come to the conclusion that the strength of this concept resides in the mix of great constraint on the outside of the tower and an architectural statement on the inside of the tower. Visit the website globalhop.indiaartndesign.com in order to see the photographs.