The interior of the building was designed according to the principles of REED (Restorative Environmental and Ergonomic Design). The layout of rooms and interior fittings encourage movement during work. Materials were selected considering full sensory engagement: touch, appearance, smell, etc. Spaces were planned to create an environment that can reduce stress and encourage creativity and efficiency at work. A key factor in the design of the building was assessing its environmental impacts and taking responsibility for them.

Following an LCA of the building, 3000 regionally appropriate trees were planted in the local municipality to offset its environmental impact.

State-of-the art equipment, sensors and smart technology were installed for continuous monitoring and optimization of energy use, comfort, and overall building performance. The design paid special attention to natural light to minimize artificial lighting and maximise occupant comfort and wellbeing.

Nine Laboratories are located on the ground floor with intermediate green atriums that keep cool in summer and are protected from wind in winter, while presenting more views of nature to occupants. As a research project itself, the building gives new information about the performance of timber buildings in general, and specifically in Slovenia’s sub-Mediterranean coastal climate where events like earthquakes and strong winds must be considered.

This confirms the primary goal of the project, which is the constant search and exploration in the field of wooden construction and renewable materials and the transfer of this knowledge to everyone.

The building (8,200 m2) consists of offices, meeting spaces, and laboratory facilities. The use of natural materials, particularly massive wood for construction, local stone for the façade and outdoor arrangement, and various types of wood on the façade are reminiscent of local traditional material use (e.g., wood for shading, pergola structures).

Users are motivated to use sustainable and healthy means of movement throughout the building. They are motivated to the use of large wooden stairs instead of the elevator, to meet and interact with each other in the central atrium, and to arrive on foot or by bike. This represents a shift in building from minimizing environmental harm towards creating positive impacts for the natural environment, building users, and society in general.

Prizes: SHARE Architecture Awards overall winner 2024, New European Bauhaus Prize finalist 2024