Greenhouse, Botanical Garden, Zurich

The domes of the tropical houses dating from 1997—the botanical garden’s well-known landmark—had lost much of their light transmission, which impaired plant growth. This, along with other age-related deterioration of the buildings and building services, made a comprehensive renewal necessary.

Renewal of the dome greenhouses, Botanical Garden Zurich

Thanks to the use of “Structural Sealant Glazing”, the delicate dome structure made of slender aluminium tubes could be retained, preserving the distinctive character of the dome greenhouses. In addition, a horizontal ring prestressing system was installed, permanently relieving the existing embrittled aluminium cast nodes.

Details

Realisation

2005 through 2012

Owner

Building Department, Canton of Zurich

Architect

Joint venture Hubacher+Peier / Haerle Hubacher Architekten BSA, Zurich

Task

Condition assessment and support of material testing; development of conservation-compatible refurbishment and strengthening measures