Looking at the trajectory of conservatories, observations emerge of visitor attractions that have become symbols of technological wonder relying on the shimmering transparency of an all glass shell to create a visual icon. Combined with this historical context are the sublime natural landscapes of the site, the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

As buildings dedicated to environmental conservation, there is a climatic challenge posed in the brief. Seemingly at odds to this is the proposition of growing tropical plants in Canberra, where temperatures frequently drop below freezing. In response, the Ian Potter National Conservatory’s sustainability approach is a meticulously constructed airtight envelope, thermal mass, and a mix of glazed and highly insulated opaque facades, that encloses the artificially controlled internal environment.

The building appears as simple orthogonal forms, rich in materiality, that hide the layers of high-performing and thoughtfully considered junctions and interfaces. Rather than relying on the materiality of glass to create an experience through the enclosure, the building curates and amplifies contrasting experiences to create an unexpectedly complex and sublime procession through its relatively small footprint. This procession extends into the surrounding gardens and elevates the already rich visitor experience of the site.