Dekleva gregoric architects based their proposal on sustainable criteria, both formally and constructively. Their proposal requires air conditioning in only 25% of the space, partly thanks to the trees and plants on the roof acting as climate regulators for the interior, and the circular path, a reference to reuse and recycling initiatives.
The pavilion was originally planned to be built entirely with wood from Slovenian forests. However, to reduce the environmental impact caused by transportation, the scaffolding system was proposed to be rented from Japan. The ramps would be built with Slovenian herringbone timber slabs, and the rooftop vegetation would be donated to the Japanese government after the Expo.
Rendering. Slovenian pavilion for EXPO 2025 by dekleva gregoric architects.
Project description by dekleva gregoric architects
Slovenia presents its identity and commitment to environmental issues with an ecological pavilion based on sustainable principles: zero waste, minimal transport, low energy consumption, and innovative materials. Instead of building a prefabricated timber pavilion requiring transportation and assembly in Japan, we recommend renting a local scaffolding system thus significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
Primary ecological design approach
How can we create a universal and uniquely memorable experience for every EXPO visitor while significantly reducing our carbon footprint? Slovenian forests absorb approximately 7.5 million tons of CO2 annually and produce around 5.5 million tons of O2. Furthermore, the availability of wood is abundant. Instead of constructing a prefabricated "sustainable" CLT timber pavilion that would require transportation and assembly in Japan, followed by dismantling and relocating back to Slovenia, we propose renting a local supporting structure (scaffolding system) to significantly minimise our carbon footprint (otherwise caused by manufacturing, transport and assembly) for the EXPO presentation by approximately 87,600 kg CO2).
Universal design objective = Ramp
Universal accessibility was the primary guiding principle for designing the pavilion’s route. The pavilion has no stairs; visitors navigate through a system of gently ascending ramps, ensuring equal access for everyone. The path guides visitors through a series of exhibition artefacts within the exhibition space, leading further to a rooftop "Slovenian forest" with unique local gastronomy, providing shade and shelter, offering an immersive experience of our nation’s rich natural heritage. Another ramp leads down towards the shop and bar before the exit. A circular route serves as a journey through the topography of Slovenia. The path via a system of inclined ramps provides an equal experience for all the visitors and thus illustrates the social sustainability aspect.
Sustainable principles
Sustainability and zero-waste features are fully intertwined with the basic conceptual design on different levels:
- Zero waste structure: A locally rented scaffolding system, instead of constructing a new structure, significantly minimises our carbon footprint for the EXPO presentation by approximately 87,600 kg of CO2, primarily due to the considerable transport distance of 35,400 km (SLO-JP-SLO).
- Zero waste landscape: A recreated rooftop forest fosters a favorable climate and reduces the carbon footprint. One hundred seventy-three trees of various Slovenian species are planted in sacks and geometrically arranged across the scaffolding structure. After the Expo concludes, the trees will be gifted to the State of Japan as a diplomatic gesture.
- Minimal climate-controlled space: Only 25% of the pavilion (exhibition space) is climate-controlled, reducing energy consumption for cooling and allowing for low energy use.
- Sustainable materiality: Innovative Slovenian dowelled timber panels are utilised for the horizontal slabs and walls of the exhibition volume, highlighting the need for genuinely ecological glue-less solid timber walls for the indoor quality and proper reuse and final recycling efforts.
Unfortunately, the pavilion will not be built; the funds allocated for its construction will instead be used to recover from the devastating floods in Slovenia in 2023.
