Two SterlingOSB-clad ‘alpine monuments’ have been erected in Cologne’s northern suburb of Chorweiler, Germany.

The striking new buildings feature two rock climbing towers - 12 and 16.5 metres high - wholly constructed with wood and covered with SterlingOSB boards giving locals a range of easy to challenging climbing routes.

Architect Olaf Huebner, who is known for innovative timber buildings, particularly for schools and social projects, demanded tenders that used Norbord’s SterlingOSB because of its high performance characteristics.

In addition to offering locals a different type of activity, the Chorweiler Climbing Canyons have also been created to provide an important social centre for the community which has a number of social problems.

Olaf said the aim of the building is to attract locals to experience the “power of social cooperation” that can be achieved through climbing and to bring local people together in a challenging leisure activity.

He explained: “The towers send out signals like a lighthouse, telling people to come here, feel at home, learn to know your neighbour and be part of a group or community.”