Opening of the New Tropical Glasshouse at Flora Cologne
Monday 1 June 2026
Opening of a Landmark Botanical Glasshouse in Cologne
On 12 June, the new tropical glasshouse at the Botanical Garden Flora in Cologne will officially open to the public. The project marks an important milestone for one of Germany’s most renowned botanical gardens and demonstrates what is possible when architecture, engineering, and horticulture come together.
The approximately 3,000 m² glasshouse has been designed to maximise natural daylight while providing highly controlled climatic conditions for more than 6,000 rare and endangered plant species. The lightweight structure incorporates approximately 4,500 m² of insulated low-iron glass and a carefully engineered steel framework with minimal steel sections to reduce shading and optimise plant growth.
Visitors can explore the tropical environment via a 400-metre-long elevated walkway, offering unique views of tropical forests, plantations, water landscapes, epiphytes, orchids, cacti, succulents, and many other remarkable plant collections. The highest point of the glasshouse reaches approximately 17.5 metres.
The journey to completion was not without challenges. Following the completion of the main structure, the project faced delays caused by global supply chain disruptions, energy market uncertainties, and the insolvency of specialist contractors. In addition, commissioning of the complex building automation systems required additional time to ensure optimal performance.
As a specialist in botanical glasshouses, Smiemans contributed further climate optimisation measures in autumn 2025 by installing additional ventilation vents with enhanced rain functionality. These improvements help achieve better humidity control and support ideal growing conditions throughout the year.
This innovative project has already received industry recognition, winning the BTTV Award for Functional Galvanizing. Today, the new tropical glasshouse stands as a benchmark for modern botanical garden infrastructure, combining visitor experience, sustainability, and advanced climate engineering in one exceptional environment.