The eye-catcher of the Amsterdam Hortus Botanicus was designed in the early 1990s by architectural studio ZJA, as a contemporary structure in steel and glass. Three decades later, the Climate Greenhouse has undergone a major renovation. Thanks to insulating roofs and façades, reused rainwater and wastewater, and smart energy-efficient systems, it is now the country’s first visibly sustainable, fully climate-neutral public greenhouse. The renovation offers an improved experience, both inside and out, while preserving its distinctive appearance. The redesign also helps the plants benefit from the building’s orientation — creating a future-proof place to explore biodiversity and its relationship with the climate.

Eye-catcher made of steel and glass

The Climate Greenhouse of the Hortus Botanicus on the Nieuwe Herengracht has been a striking building in the centre of Amsterdam since 1993. With its ingenious combination of parts from production greenhouses in Westland and an external skeleton that gives the structure its strength via tension rods on the roof, it was a flexible and functional design that gave the famous plant collection a new home thirty years ago. A centuries-old institution, surrounded by historic buildings, gained an attractive contemporary addition, which became a popular attraction for both visitors and Amsterdam residents. But the present posed new demands. With this renovation, the Hortus has created a fully sustainable greenhouse that provides optimal shelter for the plant collection in a future-proof location that tells the story of biodiversity. As in 1993, ZJA has provided the architectural design.

The story of biodiversity

The climate crisis and the associated loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest threats of our time. The Hortus tells this story from the point of view of the plants. The renovated greenhouse shows the effects of the climate on biodiversity, and the effects of biodiversity loss on life on earth. As a completely sustainable greenhouse, heated without gas, that teaches us about the importance of plants on earth, the Hortus provides an inspiring example to all Amsterdam residents and illustrates the direction the city needs to go. The aim is for people to understand how important greenery is for life on earth and to act accordingly.

Smart climate system and a beautiful view

A smart climate system that monitors temperature, humidity, air speed, CO2 content, light intensity and irrigation makes it possible to maintain optimal conditions. Rainwater is collected and stored in a central water storage and used to irrigate the plants. The required installations are all concealed as much as possible to ensure as much of a clear view as possible in the greenhouse. The characteristic steel walkway passes over a new structure, which functions as a waterfall and centralizes and largely conceals the technical installations. The plants now benefit optimally from the orientation of the building through the redesign. In addition to a completely renovated tropical greenhouse section, the new Cape space and the desert section, there is also additional exhibition space to explain the story of biodiversity and the relationship with climate on a global scale. From the new vantage point in the world room in the Cape greenhouse you have a beautiful view of the three climates. With all sustainable adjustments, the preservation of the characteristic elements and an optimal living environment for the plant collection, the renovated Three-Climate Greenhouse of the Hortus is ready for the future.

Client: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Architect: ZJA
Landscape design: BOOM Landscape
Interior design: Designwolf
Structural engineer: ABT
Main contractor: AKOR
Project management: Infinitus Solutions, C & R Hospitality Services
Steel Construction: Vic Obdam Steel Construction
Roof: Buitink Technology
Facade: Kingspan
Light + Air Installer: Lek/Habo
Steel Construction: Vic Obdam
Greenhouse furnishings: Copijn
Inauguration: 2025