Oversized U-Turn Rounds – Former State Quarry Merkholtz

‘Former State Quarry Merkholtz’ can be found in northern Luxembourg within the Wiltz Valley, once mined for gravel and greywacke sandstone used in the construction of roads across the country. You’d be hard pressed to tell today however, with nature having largely reclaimed the site. This former quarry is found along the national cycle route and bristles with all manner of animals and plant life.

Sascha Wernicke, Member of ‘Naturpark Our’ and coordinator for the Natura 2000 Protection Zone, goes on to explain;

“In July, our Natura 2000 project at the former state quarry in Merkholtz, Luxembourg was finally officially inaugurated. We even had prominent visitors at the inauguration: Luxembourg’s Minister of the Environment Joëlle Welfring and Luxembourg’s Minister of Energy Claude Turmes. The project is also very well received by the population and Blackbox-av’s U-Turn Rounds are highly praised.”

As part of the Natura 2000 project that aims to commemorate the industrial history of the area, a number of interpretation items have been commissioned and installed within the WIltz Valley. Part of this includes two outdoor audio installations. Looking for something up to the task, our Oversized U-Turn Rounds were the ideal pick. Offering audio 24/7 without the need for mains power the U-Turn also requires physical engagement, which always leads to a more memorable experience.

The Oversized model of the U-Turn Round is designed for easy through-panel installation, allowing ‘Naturpark Our’ to create their own bespoke log posts for their two units. They also opted for laser-etched batwings, providing a track list for visitors and the opportunity to include a logo.

The juxtaposition of the robust metal U-Turn built into a simple timber structure really underlines the history of the site, from industrial behemoth to environmental paradise for wildlife.