Coldefy & Associates has unveiled its Tropicalia concept, a tropical greenhouse that will be heated to 82° F and cover an area of 215,278-sf. The project is set to become the largest single-domed greenhouse in the world.
The project will be located on the Côte d’Opale, North of France and reconnect visitors with the plant and animal world in a region where the climate is often harsh. The greenhouse will host diverse flora and fauna including exotic flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, Amazonian fish, turtles, caimans, water gardens, waterfalls, and ponds.
The building will be partially embedded in the ground reducing its height and impact. From a distance the greenhouse gently rises like a hill. The dome will be tall enough to allow for the complete growth of the trees within as well as the creation of suspension bridges. Inside, the absence of load-bearing posts and the presence of a vegetated peripheral wall will reinforce the feeling of immersion for visitors. Also included in the design is space for an auditorium, a bar/restaurant, a conference room, and a laboratory.
A double insulating pressurized dome will be made of EFTE held in place by an aluminum frame. Coldefy & Associates says the project will be completed by 2023.
Related Stories
| May 23, 2012
Gifford joins Perkins Eastman as principal
Design and planning expertise in science, technology, education, and healthcare.
| May 15, 2012
Suffolk selected for Rosenwald Elementary modernization project
The 314-student station elementary school will undergo extensive modernization.
| Apr 20, 2012
RCMA and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to host International Roof Coatings Conference
The International Roof Coatings Conference will feature keynote speakers Marc LaFrance of the U.S. Department of Energy, and Art Rosenfeld of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
| Apr 11, 2012
C.W. Driver completes Rec Center on CSUN campus
The state-of-the-art fitness center supports university’s goal to encourage student recruitment and retention.
| Apr 3, 2012
Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry
Would you spend $300 a night to sleep underground? You might, once you see the designs for China's latest hotel project.
| Mar 5, 2012
Franklin Institute in Philadelphia selects Skanska to construct new pavilion
The building has been designed by SaylorGregg Architects and will apply for LEED Silver certification.
| Mar 1, 2012
Cornell shortlists six architectural firms for first building on tech campus
Each of the firms will be asked to assemble a team of consultants and prepare for an interview to discuss their team’s capabilities to successfully design the university’s project.
| Mar 1, 2012
Bomel completes design-build parking complex at U.C. San Diego
The $24-million facility, which fits into a canyon setting on the university’s East Campus, includes 1,200 stalls in two adjoining garages and a soccer field on a top level.
| Feb 6, 2012
FMI releases 2012 Construction Productivity Report
Downsizing has resulted in retaining the most experienced and best-trained personnel who are the most capable of working more efficiently and harder.
| Feb 2, 2012
Shawmut Design and Construction launches sports venues division
Expansion caps year of growth for Shawmut.