Novatop supplied 155 unique wooden elements for the Czech National Pavilion. Visitors will see them overhead
The Czech National Pavilion in Osaka, Japan, became the largest wooden structure of its kind without a steel supporting frame in Japan following its completion in April. With its original design, craftsmanship, and unique combination of wood and glass, it sets a high standard for multi-storey wooden buildings. In addition to Stora Enso, Novatop played a significant role in the construction of the Czech Pavilion, supplying the load-bearing wooden elements. The supplier has also become a partner of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025. The cooperation agreement was signed by Novatop's CEO Jiří Oslizlo and the Commissioner General of the Czech participation Ondřej Soška.
"We are proud to have contributed to the construction of the Czech Pavilion for EXPO 2025, which will not only be the largest but also feature a fully wooden supporting structure, which we consider to be the greatest victory," says Jiří Oslizlo on behalf of Novatop, adding: "We consider the Czech Pavilion to be a masterpiece of timber engineering. It is a bold project that will bring visibility to the Czech timber sector on the international stage and demonstrate the potential of wood as the building material of the future. This could open up additional export opportunities for Czech manufacturers."
Element wooden panels and three-layer solid Novatop boards form a key part of the supporting structure of the iconic wooden spiral, which wraps around the entire exhibition for a length of 349 meters. Their production involved several months of meticulous preparation. In total, 155 supplied elements, comprising 114.3 m³ of wood, are not only geometrically complex but also completely unique. Behind their creation lies hundreds of hours of careful work, resulting in a construction where individual parts fit together with the precision of a LEGO set.
"The biggest technical challenge was the stepped element, 6.5 meters in length, which rests on partially cantilevered 7-meter elements with a continuous laminate. Its distance from the supporting core of the structure is truly impressive," adds Jiří Oslizlo. The wood of all the elements remains exposed around the entire perimeter of the spiral, so visitors will have the opportunity to admire it above their heads throughout their visit.
"Japan has a fascinating and deeply rooted tradition of working with wood. From ancient buildings to contemporary furniture design, wood plays a key role in Japanese culture. That’s why we’re excited to present the work of the Czech timber industry in the Czech Pavilion. It is an incredibly positive reference not only for the companies themselves but also for the whole of Czechia. Our pavilion is already being visited and admired by Japanese media, industry professionals, and even high-ranking politicians before it officially opens. Czech assemblers worked alongside their Japanese counterparts, and the pavilion is a showcase of excellent international cooperation. After all, this is one of the main goals of current world exhibitions," comments Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of Czech participation at EXPO 2025.
About Novatop and AGROP NOVA
AGROP NOVA produces products under the NOVATOP brand and specializes in three-layer solid boards and a comprehensive construction system. The production of these boards has a long tradition in Ptení, dating back to 1992, and continues to be one of the key pillars of production. The company’s strategy is not based on increasing production volume but on maximizing added value. Emphasis is placed on quality and meticulous craftsmanship, which has long been a strong argument in business relationships. Close collaboration with leading industry experts brings the company not only new challenges but, above all, opportunities to participate in groundbreaking projects. This strengthens NOVATOP's reputation as a Czech brand, which maintains a strong position on the international stage even in a competitive environment. Exports currently account for about 85% of total revenue and represent one of the main drivers of the company's growth. Key export destinations include advanced markets in Europe, particularly Switzerland – a country that is not only an endless source of inspiration but also a world leader in timber construction. The manufacturing facility in Ptení currently employs more than 230 people, whose expertise and commitment contribute to maintaining a high standard and further developing the company.
About the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
In December 2022, after more than twenty years, the Office of the Commissioner General announced an open, anonymous architectural competition to design the National Pavilion for EXPO 2025. A total of 38 design teams submitted their proposals. In March 2023, a professional jury chaired by world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning concept: a glass spiral design by Apropos Architects. The pavilion’s main structure is made of modern wooden panels, while the façade features artistic glass—a material with a centuries-old tradition in Czechia. The Czech National Pavilion offers a dignified and functional space for Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025, which will take place from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. Inside the pavilion, visitors will find a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, business facilities, a restaurant, and the CTP Lounge. In front of the pavilion, a seaside relaxation zone offers a scenic view for guests. The pavilion was officially approved in early April 2025 and is the largest wooden structure of its kind in Japan built without a metal support frame.