Casa de Vidrio Greenhouse
Photographs have unveiled the Casa de Vidrio greenhouse in Chile, designed by the acclaimed architecture studio Max Núñez Arquitectos. This innovative structure features vaulted roofs made of glass bricks.
Located within a private garden, the Casa de Vidrio was completed in late 2018 but has recently gained attention through the lens of Chilean photographer Cristóbal Palma, showcasing the vibrant tropical plants inside.
Architectural Design
The 130-square metre greenhouse serves as a "building for plants," as described by Max Núñez. The design draws inspiration from modern greenhouses while highlighting the artificial nature of the natural elements it houses. To achieve this, Núñez created varying elevations, allowing the plants to be situated below ground level, accessible via staircases from a concrete-and-steel platform that encircles the interior.
Núñez explained that placing the plants at a lower level subtly shifts the horizon for these tropical species, contrasting them with the surrounding park flora.
Unique Features
The greenhouse boasts double vaulted ceilings that not only accommodate taller plants but also refract light, ensuring a warm environment without direct sunlight exposure. This interior elevation allows tropical plants, such as palm trees, to thrive to their full height.
Structural Integrity: The use of vaulted ceilings is uncommon in Chile due to seismic activity, yet Max Núñez incorporated extra supports throughout the vaults to enhance stability. These additional supports cleverly conceal the water and electrical systems, while heating elements were installed to combat the cold Santiago winters.
Environmental Considerations
The design includes extra-translucent glass on the exterior and faces of the vaults, allowing for visibility of the plants from the outside, effectively turning the greenhouse into a showcase for its inhabitants.
Other international greenhouses, such as the Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse in China and a research facility in California designed by Perkins&Will, also reflect innovative architectural trends in greenhouse design.
Photography by Cristóbal Palma.
Project Credits:
Architect in charge: Max Núñez
Collaborator: Carlos Rosas
Landscape design: Juan Grimm
Lighting design: Interdesign
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