Largest sandcastle in the world
[Image © Instagram user velberlinle]
In September 2017, the Guinness Book of World Records officially crowned a new champion for the title of world’s largest sandcastle.
Despite being a landlocked city, the sandcastle is located in Duisburg, Germany, and is the city’s second attempt at the title. They were disqualified in 2016 for using materials other than sand and water after the sandcastle suffered a significant collapse.
The new and victorious ‘sandscraper’ reaches a height of 16.68 m (55 ft) and is made up of more than 3,860 tons of sand. It took a team of designers more than three weeks to complete. To try and avoid the problems of last year, the team used a different variety of sand, composed of a very fine quartz measuring less than 1 mm per grain. They had to deal with a minor collapse mid-way through the construction, but by amending and adapting their design, they were able to complete it on schedule.
[Image © Instagram user lsolty]
Their design is based on a medieval city, and inspired by Pieter Bruegel’s masterpiece ‘The Tower of Babel’. The sculpture is intricately detailed and incorporates famous structures including a scale version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The sandcastle claims the world record from a structure completed in February 2017 in Puri, India, which measured 50 ft tall. It is to remain on view to the public until 29th September 2017.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.