Northern France is not the first place one would think of when looking to find tropical flora and fauna, but thanks to the recently unveiled Tropicalia project, that is exactly what hundreds of thousands of visitors per year will find.
Tropicalia, designed by Coldefy & Associates Architects Urban Planners, will be the world’s largest greenhouse under one roof once completed in Rang-du-Fliers – in Pas-de-Calais. The massive greenhouse will offer an immediate change of scenery to visitors who take the journey along its over one kilometer-long footpath that winds through dozens of animal, tree, and flower species.
The self-sufficient structure produces energy through the use of a double dome that creates a room where air is heated through a greenhouse effect. The building is designed to blend into the surrounding environment and is set partially in the ground to lower its height and impact. Its profile within the landscape is that of a small hill.
Construction of Tropicalia is scheduled for the first semester of 2019 with a planned opening in 2021.
Related Stories
Green | Apr 13, 2018
evolv1 earns Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building-Design certification
The multi-tenant commercial office building is currently under construction.
Sustainability | Apr 11, 2018
Hampshire College is home to the largest Living Certified higher education project in the world
The project joins 16 other Living Buildings certified to date.
Sustainability | Mar 21, 2018
LEED v4.1 — a game changer or business as usual?
The largest number of changes in v4.1 affect materials.
Energy-Efficient Design | Mar 20, 2018
University of Hawaii Maui College on pace to become first U.S. campus to generate 100% renewable energy on-site
The project is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Pacific Current that will also allow four UH community college campuses on Oahu to significantly reduce their fossil fuel consumption.
Green | Feb 12, 2018
The top landscape trends of 2018
The National Association of Landscape Professionals releases its annual list of trends anticipated to infiltrate residential and commercial outdoor spaces.
Hotel Facilities | Feb 12, 2018
Circular hotel will be world’s first energy positive hotel concept above the Arctic Circle
The hotel will provide 360-degree views of the Svartisen glacier and the surrounding arctic nature.
Green | Feb 5, 2018
Does nature have a lasting positive effect on the mind?
What types of nature-inspired design elements are most effective?
Green | Jan 31, 2018
U.S. Green Building Council releases annual top 10 states for LEED green building per capita
Massachusetts tops the list for the second year; New York, Hawaii and Illinois showcase leadership in geographically diverse locations.
