The Kurģi Tower is located in the Latvian North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve at the remotely located Kurģi farm, close to the Estonian border. The estate is specialized on horse breeding and has one of the last Latvian Ardennes - a rare breed of local horses that is close to extinction. The new observation tower should become part of the new ecotourism concept of the young farm owners by raising environmental and cultural awareness of the surrounding territory. The tower's design is focusing on providing an optimal accessibility and safety for every visitor, regardless of age or disabilities. Furthermore, it is planned with an emphasis on sustainable strategies, which minimize its impact on nature by building environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. In accordance with the UNESCO Man and Biosphere program the tower will educate visitors about the North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve and give the area a new landmark which can lead to further ecologically and culturally sustainable developments in the region. The Kurģi farm and its observation tower is therefore the perfect place for a day trip or longer stay to reconnect with nature and to experience unique regional values.

BIOSPHERE AND MAN

The Kurģi Tower has five observation platforms - the lowest one is nearly six and the highest nearly 26 meters above the ground. Visitors can enter the tower from the platform on ground level, which can be used as a place for various events, such as small concerts, exhibitions, educational courses, etc. The observation decks can be accessed via wheelchair accessible elevator or low slope stairs, which are comfortable for eldery people or children. The facade design follows two main ideas. Firstly, the thought of accessibility, therefore the coverage of the handrail with charred wood densifies with increasing height. This provides a safer feeling for persons which might have problems with heights. Nevertheless, many small openings or windows are cut out of the facade to also provide children with views and a playful experience. Secondly, the different coverage of the handrail directs the views of visitors. At the lower observation decks one can easily look down at the close surrounding and at the higher ones the view is directed towards the horizon and focuses at more distant points. This approach is linked to the educational purpose of the tower. Each platform has its dedicated topic and in each corner a panel with information. The lowest platform focuses, therefore, on the towers location at the Kurģi farm and the Latvian Ardennes. The second one is providing a view over the surrounding fields and informs about traditional landscapes - in other words traditionally evolved man made ecosystems. One platform higher one can have a good view on the nearby forests and can read facts about primeval landscapes. At the fourth level visitors can look in distance and see the Kārķu swamps and other protected nature areas and geological and geomorphic nature in the nature reserve. At the highest platform information about further distant Latvian and Estonian cities and landmarks is shown. In the middle of the platform is positioned the sky-hut, which can all year long provide shelter for visitors and is a great place for small events.

The observation platforms are surrounding a triangular core structure with an elevator. Each deck is wide enough to allow access by wheelchair or with baby carriage, so that everyone can experience a 360 degree panorama at each level. Several benches give place to rest and observe the beautiful nature around. In each of the three corners of every platform is installed a panel that educates visitors about different aspects of the North Vidzeme Biosphere reserve. The tower has a slight rotation, which, combined with the different facade cladding and height, gives each platform its own characteristic, even if they are built in the same way.

The highest observation platform has in its middle the sky-hut. This is a multi-functional well insulated room which can be used all year long. Solar modules on top of the tower provide most of the electricity needed for lighting and electric heating of the space. The room can comfortably provide space for 14 people and can be used for gastronomic services or could be booked for private events or conferences. The table is easily separable in smaller units, so that it can be rearranged or removed and transported with the elevator if needed. The room is kept in black colour, which directs the focus to the large panorama windows on each side of the tower.