Viewpoints frame views of what is most beautiful in a particular region. Rather than mottled platforms with fancy shapes, it is worth putting up ones whose aesthetics fit in with the surroundings. A good example is the viewpoint in Luka pod Medníkem in the Czech Republic.
The viewing platform was built in the mountains above the Golden Canyon. It is a rocky valley between Kamenný Přívoz and Pikovice. Its design was prepared by architects from the päivä architekti studio. The region is popular with tourists, who take walks on the numerous trails and the more adventurous take up climbing.
Viewpoints that have been built in the region allow visitors to admire the river flowing through the valley. One of them is a good example of new constructions being erected in naturally valuable places. The rocky promontory on which the viewpoint is located used to be accessible to walkers along a forest path. However, over the years, the owners of nearby holiday cottages have effectively obstructed access to the site by erecting multiple fences. At the top of the slope near the viewpoint stands an early 20th century house, whose garden adjoins the promontory. The owner of the house has asked the architects to design a new vantage point that will again allow the landscape to be admired.
The base of the viewing platform measures 4×4 m. Building a solid foundation in such a difficult location was quite a challenge. It turned out that it would be most advantageous to locate the viewpoint at the very edge, where a solid rock foundation could be used. To allow safe access to the platform, it was also necessary to renew the steps, modify the retaining wall in the garden and restore access to the slope from the local road.
When working on the project, the architects did not want to interfere with the existing terrain, cut down trees and destroy nature. They succeeded. A wooden lookout point with a simple shape was created. Its solid handrail gives a sense of security. The discreet larch cladding blends in well with the surroundings.
photos: Miloš Červený Beníšek
design: päivä architekti(https://www.paiva.cz)
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