white arkitekter: visitor centre vattenriket

'visitor centre vattenriket' by white arkitekter,  kristianstad, sweden
image © åke e:son lindman
all images courtesy of white arkitekter


swedish practice white arkitekter has designed the 'naturum vattenriket' a visitor centre within a nature reserve
just outside of kristianstad, sweden. across the river helge positioned a few hundred meters from the urban center,
the structure becomes a visible landmark within a wetlands reserve. dedicated to waterfowl, the building screens
the lake side of the site from visitor reception. two timber bridges approaching from the east and west lead across
the grasses, bushes and reeds, merging close to the center. the western path leads to the structure while the eastern walk
is recessed similar to a nest into the landscape.



timber bridge leading to the center
image © åke e:son lindman


the drastically fluctuating water levels required the building to be raised four meters above ground to reduce
the risk of flooding. the additional height creates ideal views of the wildlife and native vegetation from the
upper level observation terrace. the fan-shaped exhibition room opens to the scenery while the southern elevation
is layered with pillars, glazed panels and sun shades to filter the direct sunlight into a soft illumination. wood is
the primary material choice as the facades are clad with heat-treated pine and the interior is surfaced with a pale pine.



lower and upper bridge
image © åke e:son lindman



cafe
image © åke e:son lindman



stairs leading to observation terrace
image © åke e:son lindman



view from the river helge
image © åke e:son lindman



aerial view
image © patrik olofsson



site plan



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 1



section



axonometric


project info:


head architects: fredrik pettersson and niels de bruin
client: kristianstad kommun
white's expertise: architecture, landscape, sustainability, exhibition
size: 1050 m2
timber bridge: 315 metres
cost: 96 million SEK