Moron tower, Malleray, Switzerland 1998-2004
Project: 1998
Construction: 2000-2004
Client: Tour de Moron Foundation, Malleray
Promoter: Surveillance commission, Moutier Builders Society
Antoine Bernasconi, Henri Simon, Théo Geiser
Civil engineering: Stampbach SA, Delémont
Structure and materials:
Core: double masonry in split Corton (Bourgogne) limestone filled with reinforced concrete; steps and railings in cut blocks of Seña stone;
lookout platform and roofing: metal structure and zinc plating.
The Moron tower is located in the Bernese Jura on the highlands stretching from the northern edge of Switzerland towards Haute-Savoie and the Black Forest. The tower can be reached via a winding trail that snakes its way through the dense forest, starting at the village of Malleray. The construction of this belvedere tower was inspired by the intention of giving an image to the work done by several hundred apprentices as part of their vocational training to become masons and stonecutters. The tower is tall 26 metres with a diameter of about 6 metres. The solid stone steps are cantilevered around a hollow central bearing structure. Each step is characterized by two stone wedges embedded into vertical slabs that act as a railing. The tower ends in a steel lookout platform sheltered by a metal disc.