Ateliereen Architecten's concrete observation tower features a climbing wall and zip line
Visitors to this lakeside concrete tower in the Netherlands can scale its walls, jog up to an observation deck on its roof, or sail a zip wire across the water from a balcony (+ slideshow).
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_14sq.jpg)
Designed by Eindhoven studio Ateliereen Architecten, the Beldert Beach Adventure Tower is part of a outdoor activities park surrounding Beldert Lake in the centre of the Netherlands.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_13.jpg)
Colourful treads are set into the concrete on two sides of the structure, allowing climbers to scramble their way up the entire 19-metre height of the tower and arrive at a viewing platform on the roof.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_11sq.jpg)
Those less willing to climb can take the stairs, which wind up through the centre of the tower but burst through the walls in three places before ending up at the top.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_5.jpg)
"Functionality and visibility were the basic principles for this design," said architect Bram Hurkens. "We choose a clear shape, which is formed by the stairs, going inside and outside of the structure."
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_6](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_6.jpg)
Bright yellow balustrades allow the staircase to stand out against the concrete, and match one of the three colours used for the climbing treads.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_4](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_4.jpg)
"This way the route up is marked and the building has a cheerful and sunny appearance," added Hurkens.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_3](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_3.jpg)
The zip line is attached to a balcony 11 metres above the ground, while a kiosk is located at the base of the tower offering drinks and snacks.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_7](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_7.jpg)
The tower was constructed from 11 prefabricated concrete modules stacked on top of one another.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_9](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_9.jpg)
"The tower is designed in such way that the centre of gravity is always located above the footprint," said the architect.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_10](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_10.jpg)
The Beldert Beach logo was imprinted into the concrete during the casting process.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_12.jpg)
Here's a project description from Ateliereen Architecten:
Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach
For our client in the Betuwe - Holland Evenementen Groep - Ateliereen designed an adventure tower at Beldert Beach, which is a recreational lake.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_2](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_2.jpg)
The tower can be used for climbing and other group activities and there is a small kiosk included in the building. There is a viewing platform at a height of nineteen meters, which offers a view over the water, the wide area and the Holland Evenementen Groep.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_1](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_1.jpg)
Functionality and visibility were the basic principles for this design. We choose a clear shape, which is formed by the stairs, going inside and outside of the structure. The stairs have a prominent, bright yellow colour. This way the route up is marked and the building has a cheerful and sunny appearance.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_15](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_15.jpg)
The tower is constructed in prefab concrete rings, a robust material with a high-quality finish. The function of the tower is recognisable because the coloured climbing routes contrast with the silver-like background. The project is an addition to the activities of the Holland Evenementen Groep and a new impulse for the beach.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_16](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_16.gif)
The eleven prefabricated concrete rings all have unique dimensions. In the rings at the top, the logo of Beldert Beach is poured into the surface, so no flags are needed.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_17](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_17.gif)
The rings are approximately 3 x 5 meters. The peculiarity of casting these rings is that only one mold is used, which had to be converted after each ring working from the biggest element to the smallest.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_18](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_18.gif)
Moreover, the architectural concrete requires a high quality surface with little room for errors. The different sloping walls have been an extra challenge whilst pouring and stacking. The tower is designed in such way that the centre of gravity is always located above the footprint, also during the stacking of the rings.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_19](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_19.gif)
The kiosk is built with prefabricated walls. By opening the yellow shutters guests are invited to buy a snack at the counter.
![Adventure tower in concrete at Beldert Beach by Ateliereen Architecten_dezeen_20](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/12/Adventure-tower-in-concrete-at-Beldert-Beach-by-Ateliereen-Architecten_dezeen_20.gif)
Completion: November 2013
Client: Holland Evenementen Groep, Zoelen
Architect: Ateliereen Architecten, Eindhoven
Building contractor: Van Arnhem Bouwgroep, Culemborg
Concrete manufacturer: Mombarg Beton B.V., Doetinchem
Copyright pictures: Ateliereen Architecten