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Science Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Glasshouse

Man smiling in glasshouse

UNSW Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences operates a large glasshouse located on the roof level of the Samuels Building.

The UNSW Glasshouse is used for both teaching and research by members of our school as well as researchers from other schools and faculties.

It often provides ground for new methods, materials and ideas as they progress from the laboratory to the real world.

Glasshouse features 

The UNSW Glasshouse has more than 400 m2 of growing space available to users and is divided into four chambers with fully automated climate control. 

A remotely accessible management system allows each chamber to be set to different environmental conditions via automated cooling, heating and shade controls. Temperature, humidity, sunlight and soil moisture are logged for each chamber, and the management system also controls the automated watering system. 

The eastern end of the Glasshouse is accessed via the goods lift from the loading dock area and opens into a preparation space. The western end has a mixed-use laboratory with two Climatron growth cabinets. There are three much larger growth cabinets adjacent to the loading dock on the lower ground floor. We have equipment on-site to prepare soil mixes of specific physical and fertility properties, and a suite of ancillary materials and equipment to complement plant-based research. 

  • If you’re interested in conducting research in the Glasshouse, please contact the manager, considering: 

    • duration of experiment 
    • size of pots and anticipated size of plants 
    • number of pots and bench space required 
    • soil type and fertility 
    • watering frequency 
    • desired sunlight exposure 
    • desired temperature range. 
    Contact us

  • The Glasshouse was built with the Samuels Building in 1991, replacing the School of Botany’s glasshouse complex in the Michael Birt Gardens, in front of the original Bioscience Building. The Lowy Cancer Research building now stands in this location.  

    In 2018, after nearly 30 years of operation, many of the original Glasshouse systems needed repairs, so a scoping process was initiated to evaluate potential refurbishments and upgrades. Construction began in 2019, a process that included the redesign and replacement of the entire 400m2 glass roof. Several systems were refurbished, such as the evaporative cooling system and the ventilation systems. At the same time, other components were replaced, such as the new heating units in each chamber and a Building Management System that controls and monitors all aspects of the Glasshouse’s operation. 

Our people

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Prof Angela Moles 
Room 401E, Level 4, Biological Sciences North (Building D26) 
Email Angela

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Desk 5.50, Level 5 Biological Sciences South (Building D26)
Email Guy