Several products from EDGE Architectural Glazing Systems were specified for the new addition at the Royal Botanic Garden of Sydney. Designed by PTW Architects and McGregor Coxall, The Calyx is a world-class horticultural space built at the site of the Arc Greenhouse in the Garden.

Calyx’s design concept evolved as part of a major refurbishment plan for the Garden’s 200th birthday recently. The site’s Arc Glasshouse and Tropical Centre were demolished and repurposed as part of the new design, which has a strong emphasis on sustainability, flexibility and responsive adaptation.

The architecture is designed to seamlessly integrate the inside and outside spaces with exhibitions capitalising on the seasonal changes reflected in the garden. Retractable walls allow different spaces to be segmented or united to suit exhibition requirements. A major highlight of the building is a massive interior green wall, the largest in the southern hemisphere.

Designed for habitation by both plants and people, the building has a north orientation that helps achieve optimal lighting conditions for healthy plant growth. Plenty of glass and open space creates a natural vibe in the whole building.

A circular steel structure, the Iris is the most visually engaging element of the building and contains the foyer, education and retail spaces. The Calyx uses MAX 182mm structural glazed framing to achieve its all-glass appearance, and also features EDGE’s 45mm commercial doors and Brighton glazing adaptors to enable a wave-like formation.