In a significant breakthrough for sustainability in architectural design, the architectural studios Olin and Overland have completed the world’s first “net positive energy” botanical garden in Sarasota, Florida. This innovative project is part of a three-year master plan to expand the 15-acre campus of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, an institution dedicated to research and education on aerial plants and native plant species. 

The project stands out for its focus on sustainability, using an array of 2,158 solar panels on the roof to power the campus. This initiative has enabled the new complex, which covers 17,468 square meters (188,030 square feet), to produce more energy than it consumes. 

The installation of solar panels on the LEAF buildings and the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center will generate approximately 1.27 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year. This not only ensures a constant supply of energy but also contributes significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, with an estimated offset of 975 tons per year, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 1,000 acres of U.S. forests. 

Project features 

Phase 1 of the master plan included the construction of three new structures and infrastructural improvements such as a stormwater management system, a recreational trail, and surrounding road improvements. Buildings designed by Overland Partners include: 

– Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF): A four-story parking garage with a restaurant and gift shop on the first floor, and a solar-powered swimming pool on the roof.  

– Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center: A research center with a double-height lobby, laboratories, research libraries, conference rooms, and offices.  

– Jean Goldstein Welcome Center: A reception center with a curved roof covering the ticket counter and a small volume housing that hosts an exhibit and a theater.  

The project’s net positive energy crucially influences its operation, ensuring that the complex meets its energy needs, and also contributes to the environment. The restaurant at LEAF, the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant, will run entirely on solar power and electric and inductive cooking techniques. 

Construction time and specialists involved 

Construction of the project was completed earlier this year, with the architectural firm Olin overseeing the landscape design and Overland Partners overseeing the architectural design of the buildings. The project raises the bar for sustainability in botanical garden design while also positioning Sarasota as a leader in terms of green architecture. 

Marie Selby’s botanical garden in Sarasota represents a milestone in sustainable architecture, setting a new standard for botanical garden projects worldwide. The combination of net positive energy innovation, integrated design, and advanced technology demonstrates how architecture can move forward in harmony with the environment, providing a model for future developments in sustainability and architectural design.