Ecological Education Center Natura Park Pardubice

On October 1, 2015, a new center for ecological education called Natura Park was opened in Pardubice. The entire area is located on the banks of the Chrudimka River, in a beautiful and tranquil natural setting, yet close to the city center. The project is also part of a broader urban project by the Department of the Chief Architect called the Necklace of Chrudimka, which aims to revive the riverbank in the city. The interactive exhibition focused on presenting the NATURA 2000 protected areas system runs through both the interior of the visitor center and the exterior part of the complex.
The visitor center building is designed as a wooden structure with an unconventional shape, with one underground and two above-ground floors. The underground floor is made of monolithic concrete, while the two above-ground floors are constructed from large-format panels made of cross-laminated solid wood. The facades are designed as double-skin with a ventilated gap and a solid layer of thermal insulation made of cellulose. The visible layer of the facade is made of Cembrit Cembonit facade panels in brick red and gray colors, which are mounted on a wooden frame using screws in the color of the panels. The fiber-cement panels on the facade are combined with natural wood on the ceilings.

“We chose Cembrit facade panels for their aesthetic and functional properties. For the aesthetic parameters, their natural character with a lively uneven coloration suited this project. We appreciate certain "low maintenance" and durability among the functional properties.", say the architects.

The building has green roofs, which the architects chose with awareness of all their positive effects on the surrounding environment.



The first floor of the building is accessed directly from the bike path that runs along the flood protection embankment of the Chrudimka River. The entrance hall features an information center, while the other parts of the center will be used for educational programs, lectures, and seminars. The interior of the building predominantly features visible spruce wood of the load-bearing structure on the walls.

As inspiration for the architectural concept of the house, the architects used the crowns of the surrounding mature trees with webs shimmering in the sun. They designed the house as a web in the treetops.

The unconventional shape of the building reflects the triangular shape of the plot and the mature trees growing on it. Architects Tomáš Med, Jaroslav Krupa, and Filip Klozar aimed to integrate the building as much as possible into the beautiful environment by the river.

The result is a naturally appearing building that allows for above-standard use of the space and perfect sound and organizational separation of parallel activities.

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Cembrit Cembonit Facade Panels
Cembrit Cembonit is a solid facade panel with an authentic natural appearance, emphasized by subtle variations in shade across the panel surface, creating various light reflections on the facade and bringing it even closer to a purely natural material. Over time, these subtle nuances evolve as the surface naturally ages. The manufacturing process ensures a unique surface treatment for the colored panels, making them resistant to external moisture and dirt. The composition of the panel guarantees a long-lasting and durable facade.
Cembonit facade panels are available in 11 subtle color shades. They are intended for the finish layer of ventilated facades, cladding of cornices, columns, ceilings, etc. Their use is not limited to exteriors, but their excellent mechanical properties can also be utilized in interiors.

Fiber-cement - Natural Raw Materials
Cembrit facade panels are made exclusively from environmentally friendly natural raw materials. The basic raw materials for fiber-cement production include cement, mineral fillers, cellulose, and non-toxic organic fibers, along with a small amount of water. Thanks to the use of purely natural materials, the panels are fully recyclable and in line with the sustainable development trend.