EXPANO Pavilion

Design: With Italy being the third largest investor, second most important trade partner, and biggest source market of tourists in Slovenia, representing the country well at the Expo 2015 convention in Milan was of great importance. An equally complex and dynamic timber construction was chosen for this purpose, with its angular appearance reminiscent of the Slovenian mountain landscape and its facade and exterior design as a reminder of cultivated fields or of the surface of leaves.

Wood: The timber skeleton construction is supplemented by loadbearing elements made of cross-laminated timber. The use of wood for the facade and the structural system emphasizes Slovenia’s identity as one of the most forested countries in Europe. At the same time, the pavilion was designed in a way that allowed for a reconstruction in another place. This made it possible to save money for its reconstruction in the year of 2018, which only required minimal adjustments. The pavilion now promotes the activity areas and products of the Prekmurje Region.

Energy: Thanks to comfort ventilation with heat recovery and a water-to-water heat pump and despite its large glass surfaces and room volumes, the building has a very much acceptable energy consumption for a building of its kind.