by
New Research Greenhouses, Dortmund
A two-stage public tender for architectural object planning services for new climate-resilient research greenhouses in Dortmund’s botanical garden, in Germany.
The project proposes the construction of a new climate resilience research facility within the Botanischer Garten Rombergpark in Dortmund, centred on four purpose-built, energy-efficient greenhouses and associated landscape works. Conceived as part of the City of Dortmund’s wider climate adaptation strategy, the development will function both as a scientific testing ground for climate-resilient plant species, including endangered native flora, and as an educational environment for schools and the wider public. The architecture integrates passive and active environmental systems, including high-performance glazed structures, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, photovoltaic energy generation, and heat pump-based heating and cooling, creating a self-sufficient and responsive growing environment.
The commission focuses on the delivery of architectural services for the later design and construction stages (equivalent to RIBA Stages 4–6+), following the completion of earlier concept and developed design phases. The scheme combines lightweight greenhouse structures with a robust infrastructural base, incorporating technical spaces, circulation ramps, and carefully designed external areas that support both operational and visitor use. Emphasis is placed on durability, clarity of construction, and environmental performance, with the project acting as both a piece of research infrastructure and a demonstrator of sustainable design within a public park setting.
Location
Sector
Education, Science Research
Intervention
New build
Website
Tender Portal
Tender Stage
Two stage tender
Deadline
27 Apr 2026
Project Value/Scale
0-5-million
Consultant Team
No fixed multi-disciplinary consultant schedule is prescribed. The tender is primarily for object planning for buildings and interiors under §34 HOAI. The documents require a suitably qualified architect and/or engineer and require the bidder to state the names and professional qualifications of the personnel to be deployed. Fee inputs are anticipated for the following staff categories:
Lead architect / engineer
Named project personnel with professional qualifications
Principal / owner
Engineer / architect
Other staff, including technical drawing or office support roles
Lead architect / engineer
Named project personnel with professional qualifications
Principal / owner
Engineer / architect
Other staff, including technical drawing or office support roles
Submission Criteria
4 bidders will be shortlisted to the second stage.
Qualification Deliverables:
– Completed participation form
– Copy of professional indemnity / public liability insurance policy
– Insurance undertaking, if cover must be increased on award
– Reference project sheet, with supporting material limited to max. 2 A4 pages per reference
– Subcontractor / reliance-on-third-party-capacity declaration, where applicable
– Consortium declaration, where applicable
– Self-declaration relating to Article 5k of EU Regulation 2022/576
Minimum Requirements:
– Professional eligibility as architect and/or engineer
– Insurance cover of €3 million for personal injury and €2 million for property and financial loss
– Average net fee turnover of at least €210,000 over the last three years in object planning for buildings
– At least 2 staff on average over the last three years in the discipline of object planning
1 reference project for object planning, Lph 4–9, completed between 2021 and the participation deadline, with:
– minimum €500k gross investment value
– minimum €60k gross fee
– at least Lph 4–8 completed in the required period
The first-stage scored criteria for shortlisting are based on the reference project only, up to 30 points total:
– Reference project with gross construction cost €501k to €1.5 million: 5 points
– Or reference project with gross construction cost over €1.5 million: 10 points
– Project for a public-sector client: 10 points
– Project demonstrating ecological, sustainability-oriented and resource-conscious use of materials: 10 points
2nd Stage Deliverables:
– A concept / methodology for object planning services for Lph 4–9
– The completed price sheet (fee offer)
– The names, qualifications and experience of the staff proposed for delivery
The second-stage evaluation is:
– Price: 40%
– Quality: 40%, comprising:
– Project organisation, including programme and cost control: 10%
– Project-specific risks and opportunities during planning and construction: 15%
– Methods for securing the project objectives: 15%
– Organisation, qualifications and experience of the personnel assigned to the commission: 20%