Wasserturm Heide

The Wasserturm Heide, a striking landmark in the town of Heide in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and architectural prowess. This iconic water tower, with its impressive height of 34 meters, not only surpasses the church tower of Heide but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and development of the town's water supply system.

The Architectural Marvel

Constructed in 1903, the Wasserturm Heide was designed by the renowned Kiel architect Wilhelm Voigt. Its architectural style is a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The tower's structure features a conically tapering brick shaft, which is elegantly clad with granite at the base. This robust foundation supports the tower's majestic form, which is further enhanced by a series of decorative arcades that transition into the brick masonry.

The tower's head, originally housing an Intze-1 water tank with a capacity of 225 cubic meters, is a marvel of early modern engineering. The overhanging mantle of the tank is a watertight reinforced concrete construction, sheathed in copper. The entire structure is crowned by a conical roof with a lantern, supported by a steel framework and also covered in copper, giving it a distinctive and timeless appearance.

A Solution to Water Supply Challenges

The construction of the Wasserturm Heide was driven by the need to address the water supply challenges faced by the town. Located at the western edge of the Geest, Heide had an advantage over the marshlands where water was often brackish and unsuitable for consumption. Before the establishment of a central water supply system, the town relied on 69 municipal wells, which primarily provided surface water that was frequently contaminated by waste.

The situation reached a critical point following a typhoid epidemic in 1901, prompting the decision to create a centralized water supply system with deep wells. In 1902, construction began on a waterworks in the then-independent municipality of Süderholm. By 1903, the waterworks, equipped with two gas-powered pumps, was drawing water from a depth of 60 meters. This water was then transported via a 3,270-meter-long pipeline to the newly erected water tower in the center of Heide, ensuring a reliable and clean water supply for the town's residents.

From Utility to Heritage

The Wasserturm Heide continued to serve its purpose until 1989 when it was decommissioned due to the advent of modern pumping technology. In 1978, the tower was designated a historic monument, recognizing its significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations. However, by the time it was taken out of service, the tower had suffered from moisture ingress and corrosion under its copper cladding, necessitating extensive restoration work.

After years of searching for an investor, the town of Heide decided to undertake the restoration project itself. The restoration work began in 2003 and involved several significant changes. The tower's head was dismantled and refurbished at ground level, with three-quarters of the original tank being removed and a new intermediate floor installed. The copper cladding was also renewed, and the head was reassembled, creating a 71-square-meter room within the tower.

Additional floors were added by inserting intermediate ceilings within the tower shaft, increasing the number of stories. Sixteen new windows were installed, along with a staircase and an elevator, making the tower more accessible and functional. The restoration was completed in March 2005, transforming the Wasserturm Heide into a versatile space that now includes 180 square meters of office space and a charming room at the top of the tower, which is used as a wedding venue, accommodating up to 25 guests.

A Modern-Day Attraction

Today, the Wasserturm Heide stands as a proud symbol of the town's heritage and resilience. It is not only an architectural landmark but also a functional space that serves the community in new and innovative ways. Visitors to Heide can admire the tower's striking design and learn about its historical significance, while those looking for a unique wedding venue will find the tower's top room to be an enchanting and memorable setting.

In conclusion, the Wasserturm Heide is more than just a water tower; it is a monument to the town's history, a showcase of architectural ingenuity, and a versatile space that continues to serve the community in diverse ways. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Wasserturm Heide is a must-visit destination that offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a vibrant part of Heide's present.