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Elevated Walkway Constructed with COR-TEN Steel Integrating Tree Canopy Experiences

Authors:
Jack Mcculla, William Turton
Elevated Walkway Constructed with COR-TEN Steel Integrating Tree Canopy Experiences
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Constructed with COR-TEN steel, the elevated walkway navigates the tree canopy, offering unique views and enhancing pedestrian connectivity within Gauja National Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with COR-TEN steel, the walkway develops a rust-like patina that blends with the natural surroundings.
02
The design includes super skinny rigid piers to minimize ground impact and preserve existing trees.
03
The curvilinear path promotes exploration, offering varying perspectives of the landscape.
04
Vantage points along the walkway enhance views across the adjacent lake.
05
The integration of the structure into the tree canopy enhances ecological engagement for visitors.

The GAUJA NATIONAL PARK COR-TEN WALKWAY is located in Latvia's Gauja National Park. Designed for visitors, the walkway enhances the natural experience within the park. Its elevated structure consists of a cantilever deck that weaves through the tree canopy, allowing people to enjoy unique views and a direct connection to the landscape.

Structural Integrity
A torsion box girder spline supports the walkway along its length. This structure provides strength while keeping the deck raised above the ground. Super skinny rigid piers support the spline at selected points, reducing the impact on the ground below. This design choice helps preserve the area’s ecology while ensuring steady support for pedestrians.

Pathway Design
The walkway features a curvy path that encourages exploration. This design allows visitors to move naturally through the trees while keeping close to nature. As people walk, they encounter different perspectives of the surrounding environment, including scenic views across the park's lake. The winding route promotes a sense of discovery as one travels through the park.

Material Selection
COR-TEN steel is used for the walkway's structure. This material has properties that cause it to develop a stable, rust-like appearance over time. This choice not only blends well with the colors of Gauja’s sandstone cliffs but also ensures durability. The walkway will withstand various weather conditions while maintaining its visual appeal.

The design culminates in viewpoints that highlight the natural beauty of the park. It creates a relationship between the walkway and the landscape that is both functional and respectful of the environment.

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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