Vienna-based firm Delugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA) has completed the Taiyuan Botanical Garden, a project that introduces a vibrant artificial landscape, defined by three timber-based, domed greenhouses.
Located in Taiyuan, China, the botanical garden occupies the site of a former coal mine, which the client wanted to transform into a landscaped park and museum. The architectural concept is based on the pre-existing landscape and altogether balances the natural landscape, architecture, technological, and ecological solutions. The artificial landscape features hills, lakes, waterfalls, paths, and buildings.
The greenhouses are the project’s centerpiece, fostering suitable climates for plants from different regions. In addition, the botanical garden encompasses an entrance building, which contains a nature museum and administration facility, a restaurant tea house, a bonsai museum, and a research center.
The greenhouses are situated near the entrance of the site and are connected by walkways that extend around the lake. Each of the domes was built using double-curved laminated timber beams arranged in two or three intersecting layers.
"With a free span of over 90 meters, the broadest of the three domes is one of the largest such timber-lattice structures worldwide," said DMAA.
Two of the three domes accommodate the pavilions for tropical and desert plants. The third dome is positioned on the lake and contains aquatic plants. The greenhouses face south for maximum solar exposure throughout the year. Their timber structures are denser on the northern side and more open on the southern side to optimize solar gain. The greenhouses are also glazed with double-curved glass and include windows that can be opened in order to maintain the desired internal climates.
The entrance building features a cantilevered viewing platform above the water that leads visitors to the center of the botanical garden through a moving walkway. The platform serves as a large terrace, providing a panoramic view of the park.
The Bonsai Museum is another highlight of the botanical garden. Embedded into the landscape, it is designed as a series of terraces laid out in concentric circles that incorporate paths, ramps, and stairs. The restaurant tea house is positioned on an island in the lake to the south of the entrance and greenhouse. Views across the water and landscape are made possible through full-height windows. The building also features a latticed timber roof structure based on the design of Chinese Traditional Temples. A shifted grid made from stacked timber beams creates an attractive and atmospheric space.
Landscaping across the site was designed by Munich-based firm Valentien + Valentien. The plans for the Taiyuan Botanical Garden were originally unveiled in 2016.
No Comments
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.