Davies Alpine House

Beneath the innovative arches of the Davies Alpine House, a world of resilient wonders awaits. The Davies Alpine House isn’t just a glasshouse. It’s a testament to nature’s tenacity and human ingenuity. The Davies Alpine House, opened in 2006, stands as a testament to innovative design, earning a RIBA award. It mimics the dry, cool, windy habitats of mountaintops and Earth’s poles. These plants, from the Arctic to the Andes, thrive in conditions most others couldn’t withstand. The Davies Alpine House cleverly recreates these conditions. Two back-to-back arches create a stack effect. This draws warm air out, leaving the perfect environment for alpines. A concrete labyrinth below ground cools air. This cooled air is then circulated. The low-iron glass lets in 90% of light, essential for these sun-loving plants. Inside the Davies Alpine House, a vibrant tapestry of color unfolds. Bright purple campanulas mingle with bold pink dianthus. Small ferns, fragrant lavenders, thymes, tulips, and verbascums create a sensory feast. These plants follow a unique journey. They are nurtured in the Alpine Nursery and only displayed when in bloom. Each pot is carefully managed, providing the ideal soil and watering for every species. In the wild, alpines have a short growing season. Protected by snow during winter, they awaken with the melting snow. They must quickly flower and set seed. The Davies Alpine House mirrors this cycle. The plants burst into vibrant life within its protective walls. The Davies Alpine House stands as a symbol of adaptation and innovation. It showcases not only the resilience of alpine plants but also the cleverness of human design.