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
| Apr 3, 2012
Educational facilities see long-term benefits of fiber cement cladding
Illumination Series panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price. The design for Red Hawk Elementary School stems from the desire to create a vibrant place for kids to learn. In an effort to achieve this design, RB+B Architects selected Nichiha USA to provide a durable yet modern, contemporary exterior finish.
| Apr 2, 2012
Gilbane honored for sustainability efforts in Indianapolis
Emmitt J. Bean Federal Center project team for their role in advancing sustainability in the city.
| Mar 29, 2012
Construction completed on Las Vegas’ newest performing arts center
The Smith Center will be the first major multi-purpose performance center in the U.S. to earn Silver LEED certification.
| Mar 28, 2012
Milestone reached for LEED-certified buildings?
Total number of major global green buildings now stands at 12,000.
| Mar 28, 2012
Holden Cancer Center opens at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
The new cancer clinic provides a significant increase in patient space from the prior facility, which was located in an adjacent building.
| Mar 27, 2012
Groundbreaking held for Valencia College West Campus Building 10 in Orlando
Project led by design-build team of SchenkelShultz Architecture and McCree General Contractors, both of Orlando.
| Mar 26, 2012
Jones Lang LaSalle completes construction of $536M Parkview Regional Medical Center
Hospital ushers in new era of local access to advanced medical treatments in Northeast Indiana.
| Mar 26, 2012
Los Angeles County to host free green building training
Opportunity for residential and commercial building professionals to gain insight on state and county green building standards and regulations.
| Mar 20, 2012
Stanford’s Knight Management Center Awarded LEED Platinum
The 360,000-sf facility underscores what is taught in many of the school’s electives such as Environmental Entrepreneurship and Environmental Science for Managers and Policy Makers, as well as in core classes covering sustainability across the functions of business.
| Mar 20, 2012
New office designs at San Diego’s Sunroad Corporate Center
Traditional office space being transformed into a modern work environment, complete with private offices, high-tech conference rooms, a break room, and an art gallery, as well as standard facilities and amenities.