Israel Railways station building

The concept is "white exterior"

Nichiha: We understand that this national railway expansion plan is the largest railway extension plan in Israel, running from the north to the south. Could you tell us why you decided to recommend our exterior wall materials for the station building that will be the first of its kind?
Ans: The decision to recommend Nichiha exterior wall materials was driven by several factors, with aesthetics, durability, and innovation being the primary ones. As the first station building of its kind, it was important for us to ensure that the design would set a new standard for the railway network. Nichiha panels offered a balance of modern design and functionality, aligning with our vision for creating a landmark building that would be both visually striking and long-lasting.

Nichiha: We understand that the design concept for the station building's exterior was "white with a stone pattern". The exterior wall material you chose this time was white with a flat surface, but it must have been difficult to get approval from government officials, the project's main body, to change from the "stone pattern" concept?
Ans: Yes, it was a challenging decision. However, after detailed discussions with the Israeli Railways officials, we were able to present the advantages of the flat white finish. We emphasized how the simplicity of the design would reflect a modern, clean, and minimalist aesthetic that would fit well with the surrounding environment. In the end, the Israeli Railways stakeholders appreciated the practicality, durability, and timeless appeal of the new concept, which led to their approval.

Nichiha: What was the reaction of the government officials involved in the project when you first proposed your product to them?
Ans: At first, the reaction was one of curiosity but caution. Government offices tend to be more on the conservative side and use materials they have worked with for years go by. With time, we were able to demonstrate how Nichiha materials met both technical and aesthetic requirements. The officials appreciated the innovation and quality of your product and eventually became very supportive after seeing how well it aligned with the project's long-term goals.

Nichiha: What was the deciding factor that ultimately led you to choose our exterior wall materials?
Ans: The main deciding factor was the combination of superior performance and ease of installation that Nichiha materials provided. We needed a solution that would not only be visually striking but also practical, easy to maintain, and able to withstand the harsh environmental conditions typical in Israel. Your product checked all these boxes, which made it the ideal choice.

Nichiha: Our exterior wall materials are installed using a unique method that uses metal fittings. Preparing the base in advance is a key point, but did you encounter any difficulties during installation?
Ans: We did encounter some initial challenges related to the unusual shapes of the outer walls of the building. However, once we aligned the base to the accurate point we planned the installation process was fairly simple and user-friendly.

Time-saving clip installation system

Nichiha: Looking at the photos of the completed work, the station building is impressive, with pure white exterior walls that stand out against the blue sky. What do government officials think of the completed work?
Ans: The feedback from government officials has been overwhelmingly positive. They are particularly impressed with how the station building stands out as a modern symbol ofinnovation within the railway expansion project. The clean, pure white exterior walls have given the station an elegant and timeless look that reflects the ambitious nature of the entire project. The building has truly become a landmark, and the officials are proud of how it aligns with the vision for the future of Israel's national railway network.

The gateway that connects the city

Nichiha: The project will continue until 2035, and I think there is a possibility that our materials will be used in station buildings constructed after that. In preparation for proposals for future station buildings, what advantages of our exterior wall materials do you plan to promote to government officials?
Ans: When highlighting the advantages of Nichiha panels for public transportation buildings, we consider the demanding nature of bus and train stations, which experience constant high traffic and require durable, resilient materials. With this in mind, we emphasize key benefits such as:Durability ‒ facade wall that is built with Nichiha panels will withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain their quality over time, ensuring long-term cost savings. Low Maintenance ‒ The panels require minimal upkeep, reducing maintenance costs and effort over the years. Fire & Safety Compliance ‒ Nichiha panels meet safety standards, ensuring a secure environment for public infrastructure. In addition, it is important for us to highlight the design advantages:The variety of designs and colors allows for customization to match different architectural styles while maintaining visual harmony. The fiber-cement ventilated facade enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the building, providing a more refined and sophisticated appearance compared to the all-metal designs commonly used in the past. Beyond its visual impact, the ventilated facade system improves energy efficiency by regulating temperature and reducing energy consumption, ultimately leading to lower operational costs and a more sustainable building solution.

Nichiha: One of the features of our exterior wall materials is the diversity of their designs. For example, even if you propose different colors of the same product, we expect that the resulting appearance will be impressive and varied within a certain sense of unity, but is there a possibility that a different design will be adopted from this one?
Ans:Yes, there is always a possibility that a different design could be adopted based on project requirements, stakeholder preferences, or regional architectural trends. In general our approach is to embrace innovation, learn from the implementation of new designs and adjust to create better, more adapted designs for our projects.

Nichiha: Once the railway opens, the station building will become the "face" of the town, so we imagine that people who have no connection to railways will become interested in our exterior wall materials and some may even consider adopting them. What kind of change will our exterior wall materials bring to Israeli architecture?
Ans: Nichiha panels have the potential to bring significant changes to Israeli architecture by contributing to a more modern and contemporary landscape. Their unique designs and finishes can enhance the visual appeal of railway stations and set a new benchmark for both public and private developments. With a strong focus on sustainability, Nichiha panels can encourage more eco-friendly building practices across the country. Their versatility in textures and colors allows architects to explore innovative designs while ensuring harmony with Israel's architectural heritage, creating a balance between tradition and modernity.

Nichiha: Thank you for sharing your story with us. We look forward to using your services in other projects.

Designer's Voice

It was important to ensure a design that would set a new benchmark for the railway network, and stakeholders were pleased to hear that Nichiha's panels were highly praised for their innovation and quality, and that they aligned very well with the long-term goals of the project.

Constructer's Voice

The combination of superior performance and ease of installation that Nichiha's materials offer made them the ideal choice for an exterior cladding solution that could withstand Israel's unique and challenging environmental conditions.

Read the interview