The National Orchid Garden, the crown jewel of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, is arguably one of the most visited attractions of the Gardens, with stunning displays of orchids. This enhancement of the gardens after 20 years infuses new life into the UNESCO heritage site, redefining and refreshing the visitor experience.

Tropical Montane Orchidetum provides an excellent opportunity to enhance the National Orchid Garden as a world-class visitor attraction. It is a novel attraction displaying orchids that span the range from the lowland to the elfin forest –one of the world`s first. The existing Cool House is redesigned and enhanced to simulate a tropical highland cloud forest and integrated with a brand new Tropical Montane Orchidetum to form a single space for displaying orchids from high-elevation forests. Connecting the various buildings is a “Secret Ravine”, a long and winding path that overcomes the site’s steep terrain while offering an experience similar to being deep in the mountain valleys, where many of the rare orchids and ferns are found. This allows visitors an experience of both the terrestrial and the arboreal zones of the montane forest.

Despite site constraints, the enhancement has more than doubled the size of the National Orchid Gardens, with meandering paths to keep visitors in suspense on what will come next as they walk along and view the orchid displays.

Building Height

The building heights ranged from 4-metres to 12.3-metres.

Building Materials

The building materials are environmental friendly and sustainable materials such as green concrete, material with recycled content and low volatile content, were used for the ceiling, plastering and skim coat, lightweight concrete reinforced wall panels, paints, laminates, waterproofing treatment and many others.

Innovative Technology used

Innovative technology included a ground cooling system, spectrally selective glazing for facade suitable for plant growth while minimizing solar heat gain into the interior of the Cool House and Cooled Nursery, thermal stratification within the Cool House and Cooled Nursery, and the use of renewable energy.

The enhancement links the horticulture displays with the climatic zones, defining the visitors’ journey from the lowlands to the highlands.

Awards

Universal Design Mark Award – Gold Plus (2021)

Green Mark for Buildings – Gold Plus (2021)