In Santiago, Chile, Casa de Vidrio stands as an architectural marvel, merging cutting-edge design with the needs of tropical plants. Designed by Max Núñez Arquitectos, the 130-square-meter greenhouse is a “building for plants” that celebrates the artificial nature of its contents while integrating seamlessly into its private garden setting.
Photographed in its lush fullness by Cristóbal Palma, Casa de Vidrio showcases a unique approach to greenhouse design. Its most striking feature is its vaulted roof made of glass bricks, which refracts sunlight to create a warm, consistent environment for the tropical plants housed inside. This innovative roof design allows plants like palm trees to grow to their full potential while protecting them from harsh, direct sunlight.
An Elevated Approach to Elevations
Max Núñez took an unconventional approach by lowering the greenhouse’s plant beds below ground level. This subtle elevation change serves two purposes: it distinguishes the tropical plants from the surrounding flora and provides additional height for plants to grow naturally. Visitors can view the plants from a concrete-and-steel platform that rings the interior, accessible via staircases that descend to the plant beds.
This design emphasizes the greenhouse’s role as both a functional space for plant cultivation and a showcase for the lush tropical ecosystem. As Núñez explains, the elevation difference shifts the horizon, creating a unique interaction between the tropical plants and the external environment.
Seismic Resilience and Climate Control
Chile’s seismic activity posed a significant design challenge for the Casa de Vidrio. Vaulted ceilings, a rare architectural feature in the region, required extra steel supports to ensure stability during earthquakes. These supports are integrated into the structure, doubling as conduits for water and electrical systems.
To address Santiago’s cold winters, heating elements were placed around the perimeter, just below the walkway. The vaults themselves, supported by I-beams, maximize both durability and aesthetic appeal. Lighting integrated into the recesses enhances functionality, allowing visitors to enjoy the greenhouse even at night.
A Showcase for Tropical Flora
The Casa de Vidrio isn’t just a greenhouse; it’s a spectacle. The extra-translucent glass that clads its exterior transforms it into a luminous showcase, making the vibrant tropical plants visible from the outside. This design approach highlights the building’s dual purpose as both a functional space for cultivation and an architectural statement.
The use of glass bricks and vaulted roofs places Casa de Vidrio in the context of other groundbreaking greenhouse projects worldwide, such as the Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse in China and Perkins&Will’s research facility in California.
The Casa de Vidrio greenhouse by Max Núñez Arquitectos exemplifies the intersection of art, science, and sustainability. Its innovative design supports optimal plant growth while addressing environmental and seismic challenges. By transforming a functional greenhouse into a luminous architectural centerpiece, it sets a benchmark for future greenhouse projects that prioritize both form and function.
