Offcuts are the remaining pieces of timber left behind after larger sections have been cut to precise dimensions for a particular project. These remnants, often irregular in size and shape, are frequently classified as byproducts, or even waste.
After a recent storm felled several trees, we processed a batch of timber, yielding an abundance of long, slender offcuts, still encased in their bark. Measuring approximately five meters in length, these offcuts, though large, were surprisingly lightweight and manageable, allowing us to transport them without the need for heavy machinery or specialized tools.
Inspired by the organic quality and form of these offcuts, we embarked on a project to demonstrate their architectural and aesthetic possibilities. The result is the "Offcut Hut," a circular lookout tower positioned near the bank of a serene river, surrounded by a grove of trees, including a handful of cherry trees. The offcuts were placed vertically, one overlapping the next, mimicking their original stance as standing trees, and giving the structure the appearance of an oversized, natural tree trunk rising out of the landscape.
The tower’s core, also constructed from offcuts, houses a spiral staircase, allowing visitors to ascend to an elevated platform. At the top, a panoramic window, cut out from the offcuts, frames the surrounding natural beauty. From this vantage point, one can take in the views of the winding river below and the trees that surround the hut. In season, you might even be able to reach out and pluck cherries from the nearby branches while basking in the tranquility of the scene. This structure not only blends harmoniously with its environment but also invites reflection on the potential of materials often dismissed as waste, reimagining them into something functional, beautiful, and sustainable.
The project is funded by LEADER, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.