Architects: NU architectuuratelier, archipelago
Area: 10280 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: N/A
Manufacturers: Kebony
Lead Architects: NU architectuuratelier
Client: Agentschap Plantentuin Meise
City: Meise
Country: Belgium
The Green Ark Project, located in the 92-hectare Meise Botanic Garden, involves renovating a 7,600 m² greenhouse complex and adding a hyperboloid pavilion made from sustainable Kebony Clear wood. This pavilion houses over 10,000 endangered plant species across 22 greenhouses, each with independently regulated climates. The project includes an innovative rainwater recycling irrigation system that halves energy consumption compared to the old facilities. The Green Ark also serves as an educational hub, teaching visitors about climate change and environmental protection. The project was a collaboration between NU Architectuur Atelier, Archipelago Architects, and others, using fast-growing FSC-certified Kebony wood for its sustainable and durable qualities.
Located at the heart of the 92-hectare Meise Botanic Garden, the Green Ark Project features the renovation of a 7,600 m² greenhouse complex and the installation of a striking hyperboloid pavilion made with sustainable Kebony Clear wood. This pavilion houses more than 10,000 species of endangered plants across 22 different greenhouses, each independently regulated to maintain optimal temperature and climate conditions for the diverse collection of flora. One of the innovative technologies implemented at the Green Ark is an irrigation system that recycles rainwater collected from the building, significantly reducing energy consumption, which has been halved compared to the old greenhouse facilities.
The Green Ark also serves as an educational hub, informing the Meise Botanic Garden’s 240,000 annual visitors about the growing threat of climate change to global biodiversity and the innovations aimed at protecting the environment for future generations.
The design and construction of the Green Ark resulted from a collaboration between various groups working with the Meise Botanic Garden and the Flemish Government, including De Keyser Wood Industry, NU Architectuur Atelier, Archipelago Architects, Mouton, and Van Poppel. Dually modified™ Kebony wood shingles were used for the roof of the pavilion, providing a natural finish that harmonizes with the botanical surroundings and enhances the visitor experience, while also supporting the project’s goals.
The Kebony wood used is from fast-growing FSC-certified softwoods, specifically planted for this purpose and reach the desired size in 25-30 years, compared to 80-200 years for hardwoods. As these trees grow, they capture atmospheric carbon, contributing to CO2 sequestration. The dual modification™ process permanently transforms the wood cell walls, forming locked-in furan polymers that increase the wood’s dimensional stability, durability, and hardness, ensuring longevity and safety.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Meise, Flemish Brabant, Belgium
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
