BIG’s latest creation, the Marsk Tower, rises 25 meters high along the edge of Denmark’s renowned Wadden Sea National Park, situated in the marshlands. The tower offers sweeping natural views, and its name “Marsk” reflects the surrounding marshland landscape. Serving as an observation deck, Marsk Tower resembles a sculptural work of art placed at the heart of this environment, quickly becoming a significant landmark for tourists and locals alike.
The tower’s core houses an elevator that provides direct access to every floor, while visitors enter via a gently sloping ramp on the ground level. This thoughtful design makes Marsk Tower fully wheelchair accessible. Constructed primarily from weather-resistant steel, the tower’s minimalist design allows it to harmonize with the natural surroundings, establishing it as a striking new attraction in Denmark.
Because of the Earth’s curvature, as visitors ascend the tower, their field of view gradually expands. From the base, the visible landscape extends up to 4 kilometers, while at the top, visitors can see as far as 18 kilometers. The staircase widens progressively with elevation, culminating in a 110-square-meter observation deck at the summit. From here, guests enjoy panoramic views of Esbjerg City, Rom Island, Sylt Island, and the Wadden Sea stretching to the North Sea. — Jakob Lange, BIG Architects and Partners
BIG has partnered with the local Marsk Camp Group to develop the Marsk Tower as an experiential travel destination. This collaboration offers visitors from around the world a fresh perspective on the unique landscapes of the region. The Wadden Sea National Park, where the tower stands, is one of the world’s last large intertidal ecosystems, known for its distinctive natural environment featuring ocean views, sand dunes, forests, wilderness, and diverse wildlife.
The Marsk Tower stands as a testament to our two-year collaboration and friendship with Schacks Trapper blacksmith. The tower features two double spiral staircases alongside an elevator and a rotating single-level steel staircase. This unique design allows visitors to seamlessly explore both the sandy terrain and the elevated views, immersing themselves in the nearby marshes and the Wadden Sea. — Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director of BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group)
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Bjarke Ingels Group
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Rasmus Hjortshoj
Responsible Partners: Bjarke Ingels, Jakob Lange
Project Leader: Tobias Hjortdal
Project Team: Matilda Blomgren, Annette Jensen, Erik Kreider, Joshua Woo, Federico Martinez De Sola, Stefan Plugaru
Location: Holmstead, Denmark
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