LaboratoryGlasshouse Facility

The School of Biological Sciences operates a multi‑glasshouse complex designed to support plant growth, experimental ecology, and controlled‑environment research across a wide range of species and conditions. The facility provides flexible, year‑round environments for teaching, postgraduate research, and long‑term ecological and physiological studies. Located on the UC campus, the complex comprises nine glasshouses with diverse footprints and environmental controls, enabling simultaneous cultivation of plants with differing climatic requirements. GLASSHOUSE INFRASTRUCTURE Nine glasshouses in total: • Six units: 8 × 6 m • Two units: 6 × 20 m • One large unit: 8 × 25 m, subdivided into 10 individually controllable rooms • Maximum plant height: 4–6 m, supporting small trees, shrubs, and tall herbaceous species • Environmental control: Light, temperature, and humidity management across all houses for experimental precision • Applications: Plant physiology, ecology, genetics, conservation biology, and climate‑response studies CONTROLLED _ENVIRONMENT GROWTH CHAMBERS The facility includes Contherm Phytotron climate simulators, providing high‑precision environmental control for experimental work requiring fine‑scale manipulation. • Temperature range: 0–60 °C • Humidity range: 30–90% • Light intensity: 0–15,000 lux • Use cases: Seedling development, stress‑response trials, photoperiod experiments, and multi‑factor climate simulations MUSHROOM GROWTH ROOM A dedicated 4 × 5 m mushroom growth room supports mycology and fungal ecology research. • Temperature and humidity controls for species‑specific cultivation • Suitable for: Edible fungi, native and exotic species, decomposition studies, and fungal life‑cycle research These spaces are used for both teaching and research and have various automated settings to control lighting, watering, heating and ventilation.

• Nicole Lauren-Manuera

• School of Biological Sciences

• Available for internal use only