Design
Use of the HighLight or other Smiemans-glasshouse systems provides ideal design options for any botanic or educational glasshouse. Are you looking for a basic propagation- or plant production greenhouse, an "old English conservatory", or a 21st century, modern glass pavillion? We are able to meet your needs!
Climate
Optimum climate conditions are a crucial issue for any botanic glasshouse. The variety of plants and trees can only be admired properly by visitors and students if they are all growing comfortably, in their own proper climate; furthermore, the inside climate is an important factor in visitor experience. As you stroll through the botanic glasshouse, you feel like you are crossing a steamy, tropical jungle, a cool mountain range or a dry desert. Along with more than thirty years of construction experience, Smiemans Projecten has built up a wide knowledge in the field of climate control systems. Therefore, we are able to realise any required inside climate, in any botanic or educational location on the planet.
An outstanding project
Following previous construction of eye-catching buildings for clients like the famous "Keukenhof"-bulb flower exhibition park, the "Floriade" World Horticulture Expo 2002 and the "Hortus Botanicus" of Leiden University (The Netherlands), several years ago Smiemans completed a highly prestigious project. By order of the UK Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), we have realised a very special educational glasshouse project at Wisley Gardens, not far from London's Gatwick Airport. Known today as "The Glasshouse", this landmark display greenhouse welcomes over a million visitors per year. Smiemans has built and installed the complete project, including all climate and energy installations.
The HighLight system has been used here within a unique design: maximum heights are over 12.50 metres, and total ground surface is more than 7000 sq.m. The building's curved, elegant shapes provide a striking appearance ("Classic meets Modern"); therefore, "the RHS Glasshouse at Wisley" attracts attention world-wide.
At Wisley, state-of-the-art technical installations have been used to create three different climate zones: tropical, subtropical and desert. Main aim of this educational facility is to let visitors experience nature. In The Glasshouse, everyone can see, smell and feel the tropical and subtropical flora, in a spectacular setting including a waterfall, rocks, caves and a huge variety of plants, trees and flowers. RHS experts managing the project are extremely satisfied with the abundant and rapid growth of all exotic plants, in part due to the excellent light- and climate conditions in the Smiemans glasshouse.
Apart from the "display glasshouse", Smiemans also supplied and built propagation greenhouses, technical rooms and classrooms; for these service facilities, the more traditional Venlo-glasshouse system has been used.
