Rainfall in a desert landscape
New Greenhouses at Cologne's Botanical Garden Face Delays Due to Climate Control Issues
The much-anticipated new greenhouses at Cologne's Botanical Garden, completed on June 26, 2025, are facing delays in their opening due to complex climate regulation issues. These challenges arise from the need to create controlled environments that cater to botanical needs while adhering to environmental and energy regulations.
The estimated construction costs for these greenhouses have risen from the initial 11.4 million euros in 2015 to 19.3 million, reflecting the increased complexity of the project. The greenhouses, standing at 17 meters tall, house a variety of plants, including cacti and palms.
The climate within the greenhouses, however, is proving unsuitable for the plants. To address this issue, a building technology expert has been hired to investigate the water loss problem, particularly in the large waterfall of the tropical house, which is losing up to 200 liters of water per day.
In addition, new rainproof ventilation flaps have been ordered to prevent rain from entering the greenhouses when the flaps are opened, an issue currently causing rain inside the desert house.
Other shortcomings in the greenhouses, such as railing issues and missing guard rails, have been rectified. The path through the tropical plant world is now five-meter-high and barrier-free, making it accessible to all visitors.
The city administration has declared the new greenhouses as "structurally completed," but the duration the fence surrounding them will remain is uncertain. This fence has been installed to ensure safety during the ongoing construction work and adjustments.
Anne Meyer covered this issue in her article published in July 2025, providing insights into the challenges faced in creating sustainable, environmentally friendly greenhouses. The Botanical Garden team remains committed to addressing these issues and hopes to open the greenhouses to the public as soon as possible.
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