Development by White Arkitekter in Sweden, Europe

Kosterhavet Visitor Centre White arkitekter 27 Nov 2009 An energy self-sufficient visitor centre located on an island protected for its unique archipelago and marine life in Sweden's first Marine National Park. The visitor centre consists of three buildings which seem to hover over the surface. The buildings consist of a timber construction, all covered with glass to make it possible for very close contact with the marine life. The area is protected by the EU directive Natura 2000 and the surroundings have high cultural and archaeological value. High environmental targets were thus established for the buildings. The building materials are primarily renewable and recyclable, without any hazardous substances. The buildings are Carbon-neutral and self sufficient through renewable energy use. Crucial elements pertaining to its self-sufficiency include heat that is generated from a sea water heating pump, electricity that is produced from solar cells, desalinated drinking sea-water and natural ventilation. Client: County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland & Swedish National Environmental Protection Agency Size: 800 m² GFA Visualisation: Björn Bondesson, White arkitekter Kosterhavet Visitor Centre image / information from White arkitekter