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The Ian Potter National Conservatory

CHROFI / Acton, Australia

McGregor Coxall collaborated with Sydney architects CHROFI and Atelier Ten to win the competition for a new conservatory to house the tropical collection of the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Titled ‘Hovering Cube’, the building is a pristine box clad in a layered skin to optimise environmental performance and provide a stable climate for the plants.

The conservatory will be a key visitor attraction for the botanic gardens. The team have been appointed to the design development phase of the project in which McGregor Coxall shall be devising the configuration of the indoor tropical planting components as well as outdoor planting, designing site linkages plus adding connectivity to the wider site masterplan.

Site Area

2 ha

Services

  • Competition
  • Ecology
  • Open Space
  • Park
The image is a two-part architectural rendering: the left side shows people gathered outdoors on a gravel path with trees and the modern building of The Ian Potter National Conservatory in the background; the right side is a close-up of the same building, focusing on a large, metallic wall and a lone person.
A side-by-side image shows two views of an indoor garden at the Ian Potter National Conservatory. Both views display a lush, tropical environment with a variety of green plants, trees, and seating areas. Sunlight filters through large skylights above, enhancing the natural ambiance and highlighting cozy spots for visitors.
A spacious, sunlit indoor garden at the Ian Potter National Conservatory with tall palm trees and lush greenery. People are walking, sitting, and interacting, creating a lively atmosphere. The large windows in the background allow natural light to flood the space, enhancing the serene environment.
A detailed map of the National Conservatory park with various landmarks labeled, including parking areas, pathways, the Ian Potter main building, and natural features like streams and a pond. The terrain includes hills and shaded areas, with a legend indicating different points of interest.
A couple walks along a gravel path in a forest, leading toward the modern, glass-walled Ian Potter National Conservatory, partially obscured by fog. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a serene atmosphere over the scene.

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