Nature Centre Hindsgavl | AART architects

Nature Centre Hindsgavl frames the outdoor life of the Hindsgavl Nature Reserve and is designed as a state-of-the-art building in terms of energy efficient architecture. Nature Centre Hindsgavl is designed as a sustainable activity and outdoor centre that conveys the captivating natural and cultural history of the Hindsgavl Nature Reserve, including Hindsgavl Castle. In addition to teaching, exhibition and office functions, the centre houses a number of facilities for scouts, school children and other visitors who enjoy the outdoor life. The centre is designed as an inspiring site for a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. The design of the building supports the outdoor life in all kinds of weather, all hours of the day. For instance, the building literally grows out of the terrain and has a vantage point on the roof which is covered with vegetation and grass, planted over a waterproofing membrane. From the vantage point visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings. The building design thus provides an inspiring activity spot for the many aspects of outdoor life by interacting with the surrounding landscape and reinforcing the relation between indoors and outdoors. The centre reinforces the relation between indoors and outdoors by using large window sections and decorating the inner walls with solid wood. The wooden inner walls create a tactile atmosphere which is enhanced by the polished concrete floors. Just like the inner walls, the façade is made of solid wood elements. However, in contrary to the inner walls, the façade is painted black to create a cohesive expression and a clear contrast to the scenic surroundings. The lower part of the façade is boarded with horizontal planks of wood while the upper part is boarded with vertical planks. This architectural feature highlights the structure and provides a subtle variation which downsizes the scale of the centre and emphasises the its human core values. Nature Centre Hindsgavl is a result of a close cooperation with the organisation Miljøforum Fyn who is specialized in environmental issues. In this way, the centre is designed as a visionary project in sustainable construction. For instance, it is designed according to the passive house standard by which it is CO2 neutral and has an annual heat requirement of less than 15 kWh/m2/year. In this way, sustainability permeates the activity and outdoor centre which frames the outdoor life of Hindsgavl Nature Reserve and contributes to merge social relations with outdoor recreation.