Here stands the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. It is the Temperate House at Kew Gardens. Opened in 1863, the Temperate House displays Kew’s largest plant collection. The Temperate House is more than just a pretty face. It’s a Grade I listed building. Its rectangular design features pitched roofs. Wrought-iron ribs support its structure.
Decimus Burton and Richard Turner designed it. They included decorative motifs. Finials, pediments, acanthus leaf capitals and Coade stone urns add to its grandeur. Greg Redwood said it is similar to Eugenius Birch’s iron pier pavilions.
Construction started in 1860. However, it wasn’t finished until 1899. The Temperate House was meant to greet visitors arriving at Kew’s new railway station. The station ended up 500 yards north. This left the glasshouse somewhat stranded.
In 2011, Kew launched a public appeal. They sought funds for necessary repairs. The early cast- and wrought-iron and glass construction had hidden flaws. Water damaged the iron and masonry. Wood decorations were rotting. A major restoration occurred in the early 1980s. Donald Insall Associates restored the Temperate House from 2014 to 2015. They followed their conservation management plan.
Inside, you can explore five climatic zones. There is temperate Asia. There is also Australasia, the Americas, Africa and the Pacific Islands. Each zone showcases different plant species.
The Temperate House plays a vital role in plant conservation. It houses over 1500 plant species. Many are rare or endangered. Scientists use it to study plant biology. They also research ecology and genetics.
Look for the Kaka Beak. This flowering plant is native to New Zealand. Its flowers resemble a parrot’s beak. The plant is endangered. Kew Gardens propagates it successfully.
Admire the Tree Pincushion. This rare plant comes from South Africa. Its orange flowers look like a pincushion. It grows slowly and needs warmth.
Don’t miss the Chilean Wine Palm. It is one of the largest palm trees. It can grow up to 25 meters tall. People harvest its sap to make wine. Overexploitation has made it endangered.
A viewing gallery lets visitors look down on the collection. The Temperate House reopened to the public in May 2018. Donald Insall Associates renovated the Temperate House. The area covers 4,880 square meters. The Temperate House stands 19 meters high. It is twice the size of the Palm House.
The team improved air flow. They also optimized lighting for the plants. Burton disguised building services. The architects repaired the cornucopia urns. These acted as chimney flues for the redundant boilers. Other original features remain. These include entombed heating pipes and actuators. They aren’t in use anymore.
A new biomass boiler reduced Kew’s carbon footprint by 25%. Ventilation follows the original design. High and low-level windows open. Some are mechanically controlled.
Widened paths improve visitor access. They also reduce congestion. Horticultural staff facilities are in the South Octagon Basement. Amenities include accessible restrooms. There is also a small kitchenette.
The Temperate House stands as a testament to Victorian ingenuity. It is a vital center for plant conservation. Take your time. Explore the diverse plant life within its walls.