Oostvaarders Nature Centre

The Oostvaarders Nature Center stands on the edge of the Oostvaardersplassen in the Netherlands, using an Ebony color on its cladding to mimic the dark silhouettes of grazing cattle dotting the horizon of the reserve.

Designed by the Rotterdam architectural firm Drost + Van Veen in 2008, the Nature Center is modest but inviting and rises from the flat land, with a head space that extends into a panorama to see the nature reserve.

The façade of the building’s transformation is recognizable by the numerous framed-view windows. Constructed in massive, prefab wooden walls and floors, with varying diagonal planks, the façade features FSC 100% certified spruce provided by sustainable wood supplier Leegwater of Heerhugowaard, Netherlands. The architecture firm has worked with Leegwater on other projects and trusted Leegwater to select not only the best wood for the cladding but also the best protective coating for the thermally-treated wood.

A long-term relationship of trust

Leegwater, an avid user of Sansin products for more than 15 years, recommended using the penetrating one-coat finish of Sansin’s Precision Coat SDF on the Oostvaarders’ spruce cladding for its proven record of protecting thermally-modified wood and to maintain the organic look of the spruce. The façade’s color, 27 Ebony, was inspired by the dark silhouettes of grazing cattle dotting the horizon of the reserve.

Highlighting natural beauty

Sansin offers natural perfection in protecting Oostvaarders’ wood cladding by only using the finest ingredients, allowing the modified natural oils and resins to penetrate deep into the wood, providing exceptional weather and UV protection. SDF not only protects the outside of the wood, it also protects the inside by allowing the wood to “breathe”, helping to prevent moisture from being trapped in the wood and causing rot. The result is deep and intense wood protection that will endure long winters and damp summers.

Treatments for Engineered Wood

Since the completion of the Oostvaarders Nature Center, Sansin has introduced Eos and Ardera, two new wood treatments that build on the proven results of SDF for exceptional performance on substrates and exterior wood surfaces, including Thermally-Modified and Accoya Wood. Eos and Ardera both provide the quality and features of SDF while improving on its formula to better meet the demands of engineered wood products.