The Green Ark, an ultra-sustainable visitor pavilion constructed from modified softwood, graces the heart of Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden. Designed by NU Architectuur Atelier, the pavilion stands as a dramatic centerpiece within the newly restored conservatory complex.
This striking structure boasts a curved roof fashioned from Kebony wood shingles that resemble scales cascading down its steep sides. Inside, the soaring arched roof unveils the bare wood structure, elevated on a concrete frame with a glazed ground floor that provides views into the surrounding greenhouses.
As part of a project to revive and extend the greenhouses, the Green Ark offers an immersive educational experience to visitors, shedding light on the garden’s efforts in plant conservation. By utilizing Kebony’s Dually modified™ wood cladding, NU has successfully created a sustainable and visually stunning addition to the Meise Botanic Garden.