The Koster Sea on the west coast of Sweden has been chosen for Sweden’s first Marine National Park. The heart is an energy self-sufficient new visitor centre existing in symbiosis with the sea.
The information, exhibition and visitor centre will be located on an island protected for its unique archipelago and marine life.
Our winning proposal is called “Mareld” (translated as sea fire, or more accurately named marine bioluminescence). Mareld is the sea’s very own light and the building, opening itself out towards the water, is enriched with reflections on the surface of the water and creates the sea’s own light show, an artificial sea-fire.
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 exterior is being treated in a new and different way by creating the image of an archipelago house rather than designing yet another traditional one. We see it as the grandchild of the old boathouses.
The façade relates to the local tradition. It forms a watertight “raincoat” that protects the construction and the visitors in all sorts of weather. If the exterior is a raincoat, the interior should feel like a warm fleece sweater.
An extensive sustainable impact analysis was essential, as there were many aspects that had to be taken into consideration. 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.
