KCEV - Krkonose Mountains Centre for Environmental Education Story by Petr Hájek - Architekti KCEV - Krkonose Mountains Centre for Environmental Education Krkonoše MTS. Story by Reynaers Aluminium Krkonoše MTS.

KCEV - Krkonose Mountains Centre for Environmental Education

Petr Hájek - Architekti as Architects

The building is situated into a city park in front of the administration building of KRNAP (Krkonoše Mts. National Park). The building geometry is derived from the geometry of Krkonoše Mountains. Every edge or slope on the building could be found in its real, natural topography. In between of the metal vectors, which represent the mountain ridges, there is growing sedum. The new building is set apart from the existing one to create an entrance platform. This public space atmosphere is supported by fully glazed side wall through which it is possible to look into the building and indirectly become a part of an ongoing lecture or seminar inside of the building. The building itself is energy efficient and should represent the ideas of the National park and preservation of nature. Main bearing structure and underground walls are made out of face concrete. Inner partitions and furniture are made out of plywood. Design of furniture and dimensions of its basic parts are adapted for the size of plywood plates and because of that there are no wasted residues.

Krkonoše MTS.

Reynaers Aluminium as Facade system

Environment education centre


The new building of the Environment Education Centre in Vrchlabí represents a modern view of science and its connection with the wider public. The project was initiated by the administration of the National Park with the goal of opening up the professional debates to the public and engaging park visitors with the protection and exploration of nature.


Like a mountain meadow


The building itself resembles a landscape, and its roof blends elegantly into its surroundings, despite its radical, abstract geometry. It looks like a mountain meadow, from which visitors can clearly see and understand the ancient formation of the local landscape, and it becomes a learning model.


Behind the clever conceptual thinking of the project, there were a lot of technical challenges relating to the structure itself, explains architect Petr Hájek: “We resolved many difficulties during the design phase. Many parts of the building were custom-made especially for the project. We had to design a special kind of insulation because of the very wet ground. One of the most challenging aspects was the design and construction of the glazed façade of the building. With its EI30 fireproof classification, this 4.30-metre tall glazing developed exclusively by Nevsimal and set in the Reynaers CW 50 elements is unique in the world.


Great success


“I am very satisfied with the whole project. It opens up the theoretical discussion about the topographical design approach within the Czech Republic as well as elsewhere. I think the main goal of the project was to bring all the specifications and features together in one compact result. One great achievement is that all the suppliers specialising in the specific disciplines met and worked together side by side. The result is a great success not only because of the design, but also because of the perfect communication between everyone involved. New working relationships came into being during this wonderful project”, concludes Petr Hájek.

Products used in this project
Product Spec Sheet

ElementBrandProduct name
Facade systemReynaers Aluminium
Product Spec Sheet
Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
29 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More

Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
28 Mar 2024 News
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo

Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More

10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
22 Mar 2024 News
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon

The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More