In Their Own Words

Missouri Botanical Garden Temperate House

Elegance and function converge at world renowned garden

As part of the Climatron complex, Christner designed the Temperate House to complement the landmark geodesic dome without overshadowing it. As a result, the Temperate House focuses attention towards the Climatron, but also asserts a subtle identity of its own. We created a geometric volume of glass, steel and masonry that houses the Mediterranean collection and provides an inviting environment for visitors.

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Size: 11,000 sf
Status: Completed 1990
Awards: 1990 AIA Central States Regional Award Honor Award for Excellence; 1991 AIA St. Louis, Honor Award for Excellence

<p>Christner's design solution evolved as a concentric ring of new buildings that partially encircle and radiate from the existing dome while providing a pedestrian connection to the Climatron.</p>

Christner's design solution evolved as a concentric ring of new buildings that partially encircle and radiate from the existing dome while providing a pedestrian connection to the Climatron.

<p>We derived the shape of the greenhouse after studying the sun angles it would receive. The cast stone and masonry details complement the existing architecture at the Garden.</p>

We derived the shape of the greenhouse after studying the sun angles it would receive. The cast stone and masonry details complement the existing architecture at the Garden.

<p>The automated HVAC system and strategically positioned glass panes create a highly sophisticated yet seamless environment for plant growth.</p>

The automated HVAC system and strategically positioned glass panes create a highly sophisticated yet seamless environment for plant growth.

<p>We designed the adjacent Brookings Interpretive Center that offers visitors hands-on learning experiences.</p>

We designed the adjacent Brookings Interpretive Center that offers visitors hands-on learning experiences.