Landscape and horticultural for the Qingdao Glasshouse. China’s first low energy glasshouse and the largest public glasshouse in Asia, is the main Plant Pavilion for the 2014 International Horticultural Exhibition in Qingdao
The main concept for the design is an energy saving glasshouse which contains plants that can survive in temperatures that need minimal heating and cooling. The aim of the design is to create a unique, vibrant and interesting environment which can be enjoyed by everyone who visits the glasshouse.
The design concept was to showcase the conservation of plants from worldwide temperate habitat zones, where native plants are threatened by city expansion. Weddle worked with one of China’s largest architectural practices to develop a naturally ventilated environment where temperatures can fluctuate between 6 – 30 degrees centigrade.
The glasshouse exhibits 3000 varieties of plants ranging from bamboo to cactus, palms and tree ferns with space for 30m-high trees. There is also an Ocean Tank for seaweed and marine displays and a Cultural Bamboo House.
By maximising the ecological and aesthetic values of the landscape we have made the Qingdao Glasshouse one of the best tourist attractions in the world. We have applied tried and tested western landscape practices to the scheme but still use low cost and achievable construction techniques. This combination will ensure the success of the scheme in the long term and make the Glasshouse a prominent symbol for Qingdao City.
Location:
Quingdao, China
Type:
Glasshouse
Area:
2ha
Value:
£14M
Client:
International Horticulture Exposition 2014 Quingdao Executive Committee