The old drawings could not supply the measurements for Bloedel Conservatory’s replacement roof. Spectrum, the contractor on the 2014 Vancouver project, says it measured each piece by hand to make the new panels fit. The dome had more than 1,400 panels, in 32 different shapes. [1]
Some of the original acrylic panels had cracked and leaked after more than four decades. The plants and free-flying birds remained inside during the work. [1][2]
Where is this place?
Bloedel Conservatory, Vancouver. This map locates the town or region, not a verified exact historic event site.
The scaffolding surrounded the dome without touching it. A protective covering enclosed that temporary structure; Spectrum had clear covering panels designed and shipped from China so the work would not block the plants’ daylight. Inside, netting caught debris, kept the conservatory’s birds in and excluded birds from outside. [1][2]
The work proceeded in phases. The operator’s account places the central dome panels, entrance roof, and fan and ventilation system in the first phase, completed in spring 2014. The rest followed by late summer. [2]
Spectrum reports that the conservatory closed for only two days during the project: one when the support beams went up, and one when they came down. [1]