16.10.2019
ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects has been asked to design the major renovation of the three-climate greenhouse of the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam. The greenhouse, a real eye-catcher in the garden of the Hortus and designed by ZJA in 1993, is home to a unique collection of plants. After almost 30 years, the greenhouse is in need of a major renovation. The steel construction of the greenhouse, at that time ultramodern, will be renovated, the interior updated and the presentation of the collection improved. ZJA has been asked to make the architectural design for this renovation. Technical innovation and sustainability are paramount.
The Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam was founded in 1638 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. For the Hortus Botanicus, the Three-climate greenhouse is home to a unique collection of around 2,500 species of plants. The greenhouse is divided into three climate zones and accommodates plants from the subtropics, the tropics and the desert that are separated from each other by glass partition walls. The main support structure is very slender to ensure an optimum entry of daylight in the greenhouse. In the greenhouse visitors can wander along dark jungle paths or over a steel walkway with a glass floor above the crowns of the trees.
After the large-scale renovation of the Three-climate greenhouse rainwater will be able to be reused. In addition, the greenhouse will have insulated facades and roofs and will be equipped with energy-efficient climate systems. The greenhouse will also be provided with energy-efficient climate systems. Everything to make the greenhouse as CO2 neutral and energy-efficient as possible. The layout of the greenhouse is also being renewed. For this, the tropical section and the subtropical section are trans positioned. The subtropical theme will focus on the Cape collection; one of the oldest and most important collections of the Hortus. Due to the exchange this collection will be located on the south side, the best location with the best light for these demanding plants. The tropical part, on the other hand, will be given more space and will benefit from the existing steel walkway, so that the stratification of the tropical rainforest and the diversity of species in the tropics becomes more visible.
The opening of the renewed Three-climate greenhouse is planned for 2023.
Foto's: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
