UMCS Ecological Education Centre in the Botanical Garden in Lublin

Phase: concept, building and detailed design, 2017

Design team: Ewelina Siestrzewitowska, Mateusz Gierszon

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energy standard: compliant with Technical Conditions (WT)

additional: use of natural materials such as wood and clay

The presented project concerns the redevelopment and extension of the administrative building of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University with a part intended for ecological education. The building is located within the Botanical Garden in Lublin.

The new building will contain a lecture-and-laboratory part, staff facilities, and a storage part intended for keeping the Botanical Garden's plants over the winter.

The new part of the building directly adjoins the low (4 m high) existing building, which led to the decision to create a simple form with a flat roof. Large glazed surfaces were designed with a view of the greenery from the botanical garden side, and partial glazing from the entrance side. Wooden fins and the entrance pergola serve a shading function.

The entrance hall was designed in the existing part of the building. The hall features a wall made of lightweight clay blocks, while the educational rooms and vestibule have walls overgrown with greenery — elements promoting sustainable construction and also maintaining the appropriate humidity level in the building.