nicoll russell studios
architects + interior designers

The Calyx

  

Perth

The development of the Calyx will see the creation of a vibrant and fully accessible garden which is intended to be a showcase for the very best in Scottish Horticulture. The brainchild of BBC Scotland’s Jim McColl, it seeks to create an educational, technical and community focus for gardening which is the equal of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley. It is a major endeavour which will see Scotland’s Garden Trust dramatically extend their existing garden (approximately three acres) at Cherrybank over adjacent land donated by Diageo to create a sixty five acre garden which will be an internationally renowned destination
 
At its heart is a multi level, tiered visitor building which is clad in flowers and greenery. The building will house reception, education, catering, information, childcare, garden retail, function and further supporting accommodation. These spaces form a dramatic internal valley covered by petal shaped roof sections and overlook the length of the garden towards Kinoull Hill and the River Tay beyond.
 
The edges between garden and building are deliberately blurred to create an overall visitor experience which will feature show and competition gardens as well as the permanent garden and information nodes. All of these components work together to promote a healthy lifestyle and environmental awareness. The Calyx was subject to Scotland’s largest Big Lottery fund application.

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