Woolbeding Gardens Glasshouse

Blossoming out of the historic Woolbeding Gardens, this spectacular glasshouse opens and closes like the flowers dwelling within its petals. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, this impressive unfolding structure provides the focal point to a new garden that reveals how the ancient Silk Route influenced English gardens of today.

It features ten steel ‘sepals’ with glass and aluminium façade which take four minutes to open, creating an immense 141m2 space in the shape of a crown. The structural petals allow air to be brought in naturally in summer, while maximising sunlight exposure. In winter, the closed petals provide a heated environment.

Goddard Consulting were the Principal Designer for this complex, one-of-a-kind project.

Client The Woolbeding Charity
Principal Contractor RW Armstrong
Principal Designer Goddard Consulting

Project Manager Stuart A Johnson Consulting

Architect Heatherwick Studio

Structural Engineer Eckersley O’Callaghan

Services Engineer Atelier Ten

Quantity Surveyor Core Five