A Year-Round Destination for the Berkshires

Why did BBG decide to develop a Botanical Glasshouse?

BBG has been working on an ambitious Master Site Plan for our 24-acre campus since 2019. The goal is to reimagine the visitor experience and establish a first-class cultural destination in the Berkshires.

Our biggest challenge is the New England climate. Historically, our visitor season runs from May to October. With the new Glass House, we aim to become a true year-round destination.

Beyond visitor growth, this project also supports our long-term sustainability as an organisation. Expanding visitation and membership revenue allows us to support the Garden’s operations well into the future.

What role will this Glass House play?

Creating a visitor destination is our top priority. The Berkshires is a culturally rich region, so standing out is essential.

At the same time, we see ourselves as a “museum of living things.” The Glass House allows us to expand our collection with rare and unusual plants that cannot grow outdoors, creating an immersive environment for visitors.

Education is equally important. We already have strong ties with local schools, and we expect the Glass House to become a valuable learning environment for both children and adults.

While not the primary goal, we also recognise its potential as a venue for events such as weddings and community gatherings, contributing to the Garden’s financial resilience.

Designing for Long-Term Value

What were the key priorities in developing the project?

We focused on three main aspects:

• A visually distinctive and regionally unique design
• High standards for sustainability and energy efficiency
• A structure that is accessible and easy to maintain over time

Sustainability plays a central role. We aim to lead by example by integrating solutions such as insulated glass, automated shading, fossil-fuel-independent systems, and water recycling.

Just as important, we want to make these choices visible to the public—turning the building itself into an educational tool.

One Partner, One Responsibility

Why was a turn-key partner important?

We are a relatively small organisation and still developing our expertise in greenhouse technology. Working with one partner who can provide a complete solution simplifies the process significantly.

It allows for clearer communication, better coordination, and a more streamlined path from design to realisation.

Balancing Plants and People

How do you combine optimal growing conditions with visitor experience?

From the beginning, we approached this project as a conservatory rather than a production greenhouse.

That means designing for both plants and people. We need to create the right climate conditions for plant collections, while ensuring comfort for visitors throughout the year.

We are also designing spaces that invite exploration. Even areas used for propagation and growing will offer visitors a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work.

Choosing the Right Partner

What made the difference in selecting a partner?

We spent about six months evaluating several companies.

Beyond budget, we looked closely at track record and experience with large-scale projects for public institutions. Ultimately, the decision came down to both technical capability and trust.

We wanted a partner we could work with comfortably throughout the entire process.

Expectations for the Next Phase

What defines a successful collaboration going forward?

Clear communication and responsiveness are essential. We value honest, candid input, even when it challenges our assumptions. At the same time, we expect strong budget control and adherence to the agreed timeline.

Collaboration with local contractors and stakeholders will also be key to a smooth process.