Ivan Patzaichin Museum

he observation tower in Mila 23, located in the Danube Delta, is 19 meters high and functions both as a viewing point and a vertical museum dedicated to Ivan Patzaichin. As visitors ascend the stairs, they discover key moments and memories from the life of the legendary athlete. The structure is made of glued laminated timber, reinforced with steel bracing, while the base is constructed from reinforced concrete.

One of the main challenges of the project was ensuring the lateral stability of a tall structure with a relatively small footprint. To limit wind-induced displacement, steel X-bracing was introduced, along with a central timber core composed of two vertical walls connected by lattice beams that follow the staircase geometry.

Another key challenge was protecting the timber structure against weather exposure. All construction details were designed to prevent water accumulation, safeguard joints, and ensure proper ventilation of the wood elements. Special attention was given to the roof, referred to as the tower’s “hat,” which is supported exclusively by the central core, with the surrounding structure acting in cantilever. This solution allowed for full pre-assembly at ground level and subsequent installation atop the tower.

Construction was further complicated by limited site access, which was only possible by water. As a result, several components, including the central core, were pre-assembled in the workshop and transported by boat to the site.