Arup and Grimshaw to help Oman build world’s largest botanic garden

A UK team that includes consulting engineer Arup, architect Grimshaw and design consultant Haley Sharpe Design, has delivered a masterplan for the 420ha Oman Botanic Gardens, set to be the largest in the world.

Located 35km from Muscat in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains, the gardens will contain two biomes and provide a home to a number of endemic and endangered species.

The development will also house a visitor centre as well as education and research facilities.

The aim is to give visitors a chance to experience a full range of Oman’s flora by visiting eight distinct habitats, including a number of unique species.     

Two habitats are enclosed within separate biomes to mimic the natural temperature and humidity of their environments. The northern biome is a glass enclosure that recreates the northern mountains, including their terraces, and the southern will mimic the forested Dhofar region.     

Arup says the project’s design uses passive and active shading "to optimise natural daylight, cooling and efficient plant irrigation".

The buildings, along with the garden site, have been designed to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

Ed Clarke, associate director and project manager, commented, "At Arup we have enjoyed the many unique challenges presented by the Oman Botanic Garden, from designing natural and authentic landscapes to recreating the cool mists of the Khareef.

"More than 700 of our multidisciplinary engineers and specialist designers were engaged to explore and find solutions that would befit such an ambitious and creative brief."

Construction will begin on site shortly.

Images courtesy of Arup