Ramat-Hanadiv visitor’s center

Ada Karmi-Melamede Architects. Architect in Charge: Yuval Amitzi

The gardens were laid out around the tombs of Baron Edmond de Rothschild and his wife Ada in 1954. The programme called for a new visitor’s center that will accommodate the growing needs of the place, which holds research and education activities, and draws thousands of visitors each year. The main building is excavated into the ground and its roof is planted with natural Mediterranean vegetation. The building accommodates classrooms, a gallery, a lecture hall, an auditorium and a cafeteria. Light penetrates underground into the building via skylights and sunken patios, and marks the inner circulation. Separate office and service buildings were designed as well. The project uses advanced water and energy recycling systems, and is the first in Israel to be nominated for LEED green building certification