Steinhardt Museum of Natural History. Prodema elevation
Steinhardt Museum of Natural History: Kimmel Eshkolot Architects’ Masterpiece. Prodema facade panels. 
The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, designed by Kimmel Eshkolot Architects, is a symbol of scientific discovery and architectural excellence in Tel Aviv, Israel. Completed in 2018, this innovative work serves as a new home for Tel Aviv University’s extensive natural history collections, which were previously closed to the public.
Prodema elevation. Architectural Vision
The architects, Michal Kimmel Eshkolot, Etan Kimmel, Ilan Carmi and Limor Amrani, envisioned the museum as a “treasure chest” of natural wonders. The building’s design combines ancient and futuristic elements, encased in industrial wood panels that provide both aesthetic appeal and essential climate control for the delicate exhibits inside.
Prodema Ventilated Facade Design and Functionality
Strategically located at the entrance to the Tel Aviv University Botanical Gardens, the museum creates a seamless connection between the gardens and the exhibition spaces. The structure appears to float above the ground, inviting visitors to explore both the natural and curated environments.
The interior of the museum is carefully designed to accommodate a variety of exhibitions. Visitors begin their journey on ramps that gradually rise to the main exhibition space, ensuring accessibility for all, including those with disabilities. The path ends on a rooftop terrace, offering panoramic views of the botanical gardens.
The Steinhardt Museum is not only an exhibition space, but also a center for scientific research. The upper floors house modern laboratories, where scientists have access to the entire collection. These areas are designed to facilitate interaction between scientists and the public, promoting a deeper understanding of natural history.
Prodema Tile Facade
One of the key architectural elements of the museum is its facade made of Prodema boards. These high-quality HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) panels covered with natural wood veneer give the building a unique style and elegance. Prodema boards are known for their durability, weather resistance and aesthetic appearance, making them an ideal choice for modern architectural designs.
Prodema produces a variety of panels that are used both on external facades and in the interiors of buildings. Here are the main types of panels offered by Prodema:
Elevation Panels HPL ProdEX
ProdEX panels are made of high-pressure laminate (HPL) covered with a natural wood veneer. They are designed for use on external facades, offering exceptional durability and resistance to weather conditions. Thanks to the natural appearance of wood, these panels give buildings an elegant and modern look.
HPL ProdIN Interior Cladding
ProdIN is a collection of HPL boards designed for interiors. The main feature of these materials is the natural wood veneer, which gives the interior a warm and cozy character. These boards are ideal for use on walls, ceilings and in places exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms.
HPL Terrace Boards Bikssen
Bikssen boards are large-format HPL boards designed for use on external floors, including terraces. They are characterized by high resistance to weather conditions and aesthetic appearance, which makes them an ideal choice for outdoor spaces.
Polycon Concrete Facade Panels
Polycon are facade panels made of concrete reinforced with glass fiber. Thanks to their unique properties, these panels are ideal for designing complex architectural structures, while offering durability and a modern look.
Terreal Ceramic Facade Panels
Terreal are facade panels made of high-quality ceramics. They are known for their durability and aesthetics, making them a popular choice in modern architectural designs.
The Terreal collection offers a wide range of colors and textures that can be adapted to various architectural designs. Here are some of the available colors:
Smooth Colors
- White Engobed
- Snow white
- Brown
- Champagne
- Ebony
- Dark Gray
- Medium Gray
- Pearl Gray
- Black Engobed
- Pink
- Red-Orange
- Stone
Sandblast Colors
- Beige Sandblast
- Brown Sandblast
- Champagne Sandblast
- Ebony Sandblast
- Dark Gray Sandblast
- Medium Gray Sandblasted
Colors Dyed
- Pearl Gray Dyed
- Jasmine Dyed
- Magnolia Dyed
- Pink Dyed
- Red Dyed
- Red-Orange Dyed
- Stone Dyed
- Purple Dyed
Prodema offers a wide selection of boards that combine the aesthetics of natural wood with modern technologies, ensuring durability and elegance in various architectural applications.
Since its opening, the museum has become a cultural landmark in Tel Aviv. It offers a unique educational experience, combining scientific knowledge with engaging exhibitions. The museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection with nature, benefiting future generations.
The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History is a testament to the vision and skill of Kimmel Eshkolot Architects. It stands as a symbol of innovation, education, and the timeless beauty of the natural world. Whether you are a scientist, student, or curious visitor, the museum offers an unforgettable journey through the wonders of nature.
