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🇳🇿New Zealand·Open to the public

Cuningham House

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch

Cuningham House, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch
Photo : MT Hallock Morris — CC BY-SA 2.0
Year
1923–1924
Architect
Collins & Harman
Style
Neoclassical, reinforced concrete, steel, aluminum and glass structure
Dimensions
Stepped glazed dome roof, mezzanine gallery encircling the entire upper level
« Described at its opening as "the finest building of its kind in Australia and New Zealand." »

The foundation stone of Cuningham House was laid on April 26, 1923, and the building opened its doors on August 9, 1924, designed by the New Zealand architectural firm Collins & Harman. Inspired by Reid's Winter Gardens in Glasgow, the building follows a symmetrical neoclassical plan topped by a stepped, multi-paned glazed dome roof, supported by five arched steel trusses. A mezzanine gallery runs around the interior space, offering a sweeping view over the tropical beds; listed as a Category 2 historic place since 1981, the greenhouse remains open to the public.

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View on the interactive globe

43.53° S, 172.62° E

Further reading
The Glass House
John Hix
The definitive academic history of greenhouse architecture, from the Victorian era to modern structures.
 Glass Houses
May Woods & Arete Swartz Warren
A richly illustrated survey of greenhouses, orangeries and winter gardens around the world.
 The Crystal Palace
Patrick Beaver
The full story of the project that invented large-scale glass architecture.
 Greenhouse Gardener's Companion
Shane Smith
The practical guide for anyone dreaming of building their own greenhouse at home.

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