Pistils Nursery Solarium

N Portland, OR

Pistils Nursery is a well-loved specialty plant shop in the heart of Portland's Mississippi District. The new 443 square foot solarium integrates with the design and form of the existing structure to provide essential new greenhouse space that doubles as active retail. The design takes inspiration from traditional conservatories, emphasizing daylight access and passive natural ventilation to ensure comfort for both the occupants and plants.

Large windows and wide doors opening to the outdoor nursery create a strong indoor-outdoor connection. The solarium acts as an interstitial space between the interior retail shop and the outdoor nursery and display area. The natural materials used in the design provide an appropriate backdrop, allowing the plants to take center stage.

The team involved with the new solarium also designed the original building and master plan for the site, beginning in 2002.

A cozy greenhouse full of vibrant plant life.

Project done in collaboration with Communitecture