As part of a broader shift in retail strategy, the Botanic Gardens of Sydney sought to revitalise the “Garden Shop” ahead of bringing its operations in-house in 2026. Chee Lam Design were engaged to reimagine the store as an extension of the wider Royal Botanic Gardens experience — embracing the creativity of cultural and garden-related retail within a contemporary and flexible environment.

The brief called for improved visibility, circulation and adaptability. Central to the proposal was the relocation of the main entry, allowing the retail space to become more contiguous and intuitive to navigate, whilst supporting flexible merchandising and seasonal displays. Working within tight budgetary parameters, the design focussed on refining and amplifying the existing architectural shell through a restrained material palette.

Black display walls establish a consistent visual datum throughout the interior, heightening contrast and bringing focus to the retail display. Existing concrete floors were ground and polished, whilst a new lighting infrastructure of tracks and adjustable fixtures provides flexibility and precise accent lighting across the store. Mobile display units and the central point-of-sale were finished in muted silver-grey tones, distinguishing them from the darker perimeter walls. Carefully positioned mirrored elements reflect the clerestory glazing and surrounding greenery, visually drawing the gardens deep into the interior. The resulting space is calm, immersive and contemporary — reinforcing the shop’s connection to the gardens beyond.