Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Welcome Center

The dome evokes the geometry of the historic glass houses behind it and incorporates fritted, laminated, insulated glass to control glare and heat; provides daylight to the visitor lobby and ticketing areas below; and creates a dramatic ascent to the Conservatory beyond.

Calling upon principles of sustainable design, the partially earth-sheltered structure was built into the terrain to create 14 feet of usable space below ground. By placing most of the new space below grade, IKM and the design team determined that the Conservatory would save as much as 40 to 50 percent in annual energy costs compared to an above grade building. IKM also selected low or no VOC paints, adhesives, carpet, and other materials to help achieve the LEED Silver Rating from the US Green Building Council.