Designed by NU Architectuur Atelier, the Green Ark pavilion is a remarkable example of sustainable architecture in Belgium’s Meise Botanic Garden. Located in the heart of the 92-hectare conservatory, this sophisticated structure is part of an ambitious project aimed at restoring and extending 7600 square meters of greenhouses within the historic Bouchout Castle grounds in Flemish Brabant. Built primarily from Kebony Clear wood, a modified softwood with the durability of hardwood, the pavilion’s lattice structure is visually striking and environmentally conscious. The Meise Botanic Garden, one of the largest conservatories globally, plays a crucial role in preserving endangered plant species. The Green Ark pavilion enhances the garden’s mission by offering visitors an immersive educational experience, showcasing the importance of plant conservation.
The Green Ark’s design features a dramatic, curved roof composed of Kebony wood shingles, which resemble cascading scales. This distinctive aesthetic not only adds to the pavilion’s allure but also serves practical purposes, such as rainwater recycling. The interior boasts a wooden structure on a concrete frame, paired with a glazed ground floor that provides intriguing glimpses into the surrounding greenhouses. Kebony’s innovative wood modification process, which combines fast-growing softwood with furan polymers, results in a product that offers the solidity and stability of hardwood while maintaining sustainable sourcing and carbon capture benefits. The Green Ark exemplifies how modern architecture can harmoniously blend with nature, promoting conservation and education in a setting that is both functional and enchanting.
