Aquamarine Projects - Yaranga Botanical Gardens

Bringing the world’s rainforest environments to one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet – this is Yaranga Botanical Gardens.

Following the success of the Galactika Sports and Cultural Complex, Mr. Vagit Alekperov from Lukoil approached us with an exciting new request.

Our brief: to create a botanical garden and cultural center near Galactika, that would bring a tropical rainforest experience to Western Siberia while paying homage to the indigenous people of the surrounding region.

Exploring how to bring a botanical garden to life in this remote sub-arctic landscape, and the challenges of building in this environment, we knew we needed to develop something special and truly unique.

Building in such a remote sub-arctic landscape presented extraordinary challenges, but also the opportunity to create something truly remarkable. Yaranga is envisioned as a destination that attracts international visitors while inspiring and engaging the local community, combining wonder, education, and cultural pride.

At its heart, Yaranga offers more than just tropical and subtropical botanical habitats. Visitors will discover an aquarium, vivarium, terrariums, aviaries, and a range of leisure activities, all woven together through immersive storytelling. As the first development based on Aquamarine’s Biome design philosophy, the project celebrates the interconnectedness of life, illustrating how plants and animals coexist within distinct ecosystems. Beyond entertainment, Yaranga is designed as a hub for conservation and education, featuring breeding programs for endangered species and interactive exhibits that encourage deeper understanding of the natural world.

All experiences will be housed within a single integrated structure, allowing guests to journey from mountain treetops to rainforest rivers, waterfalls, and hidden streams. The design draws inspiration from the "yaranga", the dome-shaped dwellings of Russia’s northern nomadic peoples merging cultural heritage with innovative architecture to create a structure as iconic as it is functional.

Engineering innovation is central to the project: digital irrigation systems, heated plant beds, and integrated water recycling ensure lush tropical conditions can thrive despite outside winter temperatures of –30 to –40°C. Aquarium tanks and rainforest canopies are interconnected, showcasing water’s vital role in sustaining ecosystems.

To ensure long-term success, Yaranga will also include an educational center with training programs in botany and related sciences, supported by teaching laboratories that equip local staff with valuable skills. In doing so, the project nurtures not just biodiversity, but also human potential.

Yaranga Botanical Gardens is more than an attraction, it is a landmark of conservation, cultural integration, and innovation. By creating jobs, supporting the local economy, and offering a space where people can encounter the wonders of the rainforest while celebrating their own heritage, Yaranga promises to enrich both community and individual wellbeing for generations to come.