MTE's Involvement
Our stormwater management plan included the installation of catch basins and area drains around the building to capture surface runoff, along with a storm sewer system to manage flows from minor storm events. Additionally, we incorporated a cistern system to harvest rainwater from the building’s roof—an environmentally responsible solution used for irrigating the tropical plant collection.
Our structural engineering scope included preliminary structural design, development of final structural drawings, shop drawing reviews, and general review of construction and as-built drawings.
The tropical garden area was designed as a fully glazed structure, utilizing a pre-engineered greenhouse system for both the roof and walls. These elements are supported by elegantly curved glulam timber arches, creating an open and light-filled environment ideal for plant growth. The stage and education area was constructed using precast concrete walls and roof/floor slabs, offering durability and strength. A new structural connection was also established to link the expanded conservatory with the existing Gage Park Greenhouse facility.
The revitalized, approximately 9,300 ft² conservatory is now fully accessible and features a diverse tropical plant collection, a waterfall with fish and turtles, and a fully automated irrigation system. It also includes improved access via a new limousine and bus drop-off area and a pedestrian pathway from the parking lot to the main entrance.