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According to Yourobserver, Overland Partners of San Antonio, Texas, has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects for its pivotal role in developing the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan. The firm received the 2026 COTE (Committee on the Environment) Top Ten Award, an honor that celebrates projects integrating high-performance engineering with exceptional design excellence across 10 specific environmental categories.
A Collaborative Approach to Net-Positive Design
The award recognizes a multi-disciplinary effort involving a diverse project team. This group included landscape architects, solar power engineers, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as the general contractor Willis Smith Construction of Lakewood Ranch. The collaboration aimed to establish Selby Botanical Gardens as a global model for environmental resilience.
The project reached a significant milestone in January 2024 with the completion of Phase 1. This phase featured a new master plan created by Overland Partners and landscape architect OLIN, alongside several key infrastructure developments. The facility is notable for being the first botanical garden in the world to achieve net-positive energy status.
Resilience Against Extreme Weather
The practical application of these sustainable designs was put to a rigorous test shortly after completion. The site faced a series of historic storms and hurricanes, including Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and Hurricane Milton two weeks later. Reports indicate that the new buildings successfully protected the gardens' collections and allowed for a rapid recovery following the disasters.
The project has garnered significant industry attention and multiple accolades, including:
- Petal Certification through the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge.
- The American Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in 2025.
- Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Global Vision Award for Sustainability.
- Inclusion on Vogue’s 2025 list of Best Botanical Gardens in the United States.
A Legacy of Environmental Flourishing
"Since our founding in 1987, Overland Partners has forged a meaningful legacy of work designed to foster human and environmental flourishing," said Overland Partners President and Principal Adam Bush. He noted that the project serves as a catalytic example for future generations of buildings intended to positively impact both humanity and the natural environment.
The recognition by the COTE committee reinforces the growing importance of net-positive energy structures in public spaces. By combining innovative solar engineering with robust structural design, the Selby Gardens project provides a blueprint for how institutional landmarks can adapt to a changing climate while maintaining aesthetic and functional integrity.