Robert Brown Building

Revitalising Sydney's Robert Brown Building: A Heritage Transformation into The Garden Gallery with Enhanced Fire Safety and Functionality

Transforming Sydney's iconic Robert Brown Building within the Royal Botanic Garden into a vibrant hub for the future. Originally home to the NSW Herbarium and built in the 1970s, this imposing structure housed a significant collection of 1.4 million plant specimens, though its aesthetic needed rejuvenation.

With the National Herbarium moving to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, the opportunity arose to repurpose this historic building. Force Fire was integral to this unique project, collaborating closely from the early planning stages to implement advanced fire safety systems tailored to this transformed environment.

Now known as The Garden Gallery, the revitalised space features a central open area showcasing contemporary plant-life paintings and offering glimpses into scientists' work in the upstairs laboratories. Flexible office spaces and multi-use zones foster commercial and educational interactions, supporting the Garden's cutting-edge science programs.

Preserving its historical significance while enhancing functionality, the redevelopment of the Robert Brown Building exemplifies Force Fire's commitment to safety and sustainability, ensuring this heritage site continues to enrich the community for generations.

Thank you to our valued partner in this project – Renascent