Lookout tower at Galyatető, Galyatető, HU
The project is located on the 1100 km long "Blue" national tourist route which passes through the hills of Northern Hungary. The lookout tower makes an innovative and contextual impact on Galyatető, enhancing the experience of location and nature at the second highest peak of the Mátra mountains. It is a found object made of stone. The materials used are quite puritanical, the harmony of the extant stone quarry and exposed concrete prevail in the building's reconstruction and extension. The combination of old and new materials creates a contemporary built environment. The Galyatető lookout tower is the most highly situated lookout tower of Hungary, with its top at 1000 metres. Over the years, trees have overgrown the building, therefore it craved for heightening. The top level was elevated in the form of a reinforced concrete addition. The inner core of the extension's concrete structure hosts 3 bivouac shelters lighted by colourful circular windows, creating a special atmosphere for the hikers who hanker to get some rest here on their journey. After the significant structural reconstruction, the preserved outer wall also plays a new role. The double mass of the inner core is encircled by a steel stair-system covered with a fine, loosely woven stainless steel mesh at the external edge of the stairs. The project is another gem of the ‘XXS architecture’ series by NartArchitects.
A non-nostalgic, honest structure, an integrated system of different textures and surfaces in contemporary orchestration. The feeling of pure freedom at 1000 metres. Gross area: 45 m²
(László Kalmár - The Media Prize of Architecture - 2016)’