In San Sebastián de los Reyes, a town north of Madrid, Garciagerman Arquitectos has completed one of the most significant cactus centres in Europe. Titled Desert City, the centre hosts a wide selection of up to 400 varieties of xerophyte plants within its expansive botanical garden. 
The indoor greenhouse provides additional space for vegetation beneath a roof constructed with the help of tensioned cables. The complex is open to the public seven days a week offering visitors access to a gallery and sales space, restaurant, retail centre, storage, and office areas. The venue also offers a series of presentations, conventions, workshops, exhibitions, and even a guided tour. 
The design of Desert City’s incorporates several sustainable, energy saving solutions, including the use of photovoltaic glass, geothermal power, water recovery, and solar control. The site’s extensive planting has completely transformed the nature of the plot, which was previously an unused wasteland. 
Images by Miguel de Guzmán + RociÌo Romero / Imagen Subliminal