When completed, the Oman Botanic Garden, situated 35km to the west of Oman’s capital, Muscat, will host the largest collection of Arabian plants in the world.
The site, set in the foothills of the northern Al Hajar Mountains, covers an area of approximately 420 hectares. The garden will contain eight diverse habitats to display the varied and dramatic habitats and landscapes found in Oman. Each habitat will host plant species that reflect Oman’s rich botanical heritage. Two of the habitats will include two of the largest enclosed biomes in the world.
The Northern Biome will recreate the varied habitats of the Northern Mountains, from agricultural terraces with fruit trees and roses to rocky landscapes with high altitude species. The Southern Biome will enclose the rich and varied cloud forests found in the Dhofar region.
Tim O’Hare Associates (TOHA) were commissioned by Arup at the concept design stage to undertake a soil survey of the site (carried out by Tim O’Hare and Laura Hathaway-Jenkins).
Using the data and information gathered from the survey and visits, TOHA developed the soil strategy for the landscape scheme. This strategy detailed a number of factors related to the protection of the delicate site soils and landforms during construction, through to the importation and manufacture of new soils. Detailed specifications were also prepared, including the materials and quantities to be used for soil blends, the method of onsite blending, storage methods, application, and management during and post-construction.
The onsite manufacture of the different topsoil mixes to allow for a suitable growing medium in each of the biomes is a complex operation and is being overseen throughout the construction phase by TOHA.
TOHA’s involvement in the project will continue throughout the construction programme and into the aftercare and maintenance period to ensure that the Oman Botanic Gardens meets the clients’ exacting standards.
