June 2nd is the big day.
After more than 15 months, Hortus’ Climate Greenhouse will finally reopen it’s doors to the public.
A Sustainable Greenhouse
Over the past year the iconic greenhouse, with its three climate zones, has been renovated, made more sustainable and been completely redesigned. The new greenhouse that features the Hortus’unique plant collection, tells the story of biodiversity and climate, and how the two are interconnected. Finally, this summer, visitors can get lost in the popular jungle of the greenhouse again.
Originally built in 1993, the structure was in need of renovation and was far from sustainable. In the new Climate Greenhouse, sustainability takes center stage. This is reflected in every aspect of the building: from the ETFE roof, which improves insulation, to the waterfall made of recycled garden tiles, and the system that colected rainwater. The original shape of the structure was intentionally preserved: the new greenhouse was developed together with the original architectural firm ZJA, using the existing steel framework.
Getting Lost in the Jungle
Regular visitors will be relieved to know that the tropical zone is back—now larger than ever—with a raised walkway and a six-meter-high waterfall, built using garden tiles donated by Amsterdam residents. The desert zone with its recognizable red wall has also returned. A new addition is the Cape Greenhouse: a spacious, sunny area housing the largest collection of South African plants in the Netherlands. The Cape region of South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, home to many unique species. The Hortus showcases how the climate dynamics of a certain area contributes to such great plant diversity.
The Importance of Biodiversity
The renovation of the greenhouse aligns with the Hortus’ mission: to let visitors see, feel, and smell the importance of biodiversity. The greenhouse demonstrates how plants have evolved in relation to their climate and how they fit into their ecosystems—whether it’s the jungle, the desert, or the plains of South Africa’s Cape region.
The greenhouse will reopen to the public on June 2nd, as part of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations. Throughout the summer, the Hortus will host a special program for Amsterdam residents, featuring a variety of activities. The official opening will take place on September 10th.