Sustainable renovation. Three Climate Greenhouse at the Hortus Botanicus by ZJA

Project description by ZJA

The environmental permit for the Three Climate Greenhouse at the Hortus Botanicus in Amsterdam has been granted. This brings the renovation of the iconic greenhouse another step closer. Architectural studio ZJA was the designer of the greenhouse in 1993 and it has also signed up for the modernized, sustainable design. Both the design and the layout of the interior are by BOOM Landscape and Designwolf, while ABT is once again responsible for the construction.

Originally founded in 1638 to serve as an herb garden for the city’s doctors and pharmacists, Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It offers its visitors a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the city surrounding it and contains over 6,000 different indigenous and non-native trees and plants, in outside gardens and lush greenhouses.

"The new design by ZJA visibly promotes sustainable innovation, while the silhouette of the greenhouse remains recognizable. The characteristic main load-bearing structure, so iconic for the Hortus, is retained. The distinctive rhythm and refinement of the existing frontage with its white lines recur in our new design, while its single glass is replaced by insulating double glazing and the roof is provided with lightweight insulating air cushions. Finally, the plants will benefit optimally from the renovation and the new climate-control systems."

Kay Oosterman, architect and partner at ZJA.

Modernized and sustainable icon
The eye-catcher of the Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus was designed by ZJA in the early 1990s, as a contemporary structure of steel and glass. It became a much-loved attraction for both visitors and Amsterdam residents. Three decades later, the Three Climate Greenhouse is due for a complete renovation, and the Hortus is seizing upon that urgent requirement as an opportunity to make the greenhouse sustainable. It will become the first public greenhouse in the country to be no longer heated by gas. Furthermore, it will be the only place that explains the importance of plant biodiversity and its relationship to the climate. With all its adjustments to ensure sustainability, the retention of distinctive elements, as well as an optimal environment for the plant collection, the renovated Three Climate Greenhouse at the Hortus will be completely ready for the future.

The story of biodiversity
Now that biodiversity is under so much pressure, conveying the story of biodiversity is becoming increasingly important for the Hortus. “If we want visitors to act differently according to our mission, namely with care for nature, then we must of course also show that this is possible,” says Hortus director Carlien Blok. Not only will the greenhouse have insulated roofs, double glazing, storage for reuse of (rain)water, and smart, energy-efficient climate systems, but the interior will also be overhauled. In addition to a renewed tropical and subtropical section, and the renovated desert segment, there will also be additional exhibition space to explain the story of biodiversity and the relationship with climate on a global scale.

Opening in 2025
With the granting of the environmental permit, the Hortus can now enter the final phase, the actual renovation. The current greenhouse will close at the end of February 2024 and reopen in 2025, the year in which Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary.