Creating a Memorable Visitor Experience  

The Lauritzen Gardens Conservatory creates a memorable visitor experience to encourage visits throughout the seasons. The conservatory consists of 10,000-square-feet for tropical plants and 5,000-square-feet for temperate plants, housed in two uniquely different display gardens. Both displays include garden elements indicative of regions in the southeast United States. It enriches the region, allowing visitors to learn about and experience tropical environments otherwise difficult to find without traveling a great distance. Above all, the conservatory functions as an optimum plant growing environment. The facility demands high moisture content in the interior at all times for proper plant survival.

Designed to Blend with its Environment

Located next to the visitor's center, the conservatory is accessed through the visitor's center. Natural stone and stucco is used to match the existing facilities. The design highlights several water features, including a waterfall and a meandering path that climbs 20 feet in elevation. The paths eventually culminate at the entrance of the woodland trail located on the side the conservatory. Carved into a hillside, the tiered glass building, inspired by the shape of the Heliconia flower, allows for dramatic changes in elevation within the interior.