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 | Jan 29, 2016
USGBC names top 10 states for LEED green building
Illinois leads the list for the third straight year.
Green | Jan 4, 2016
Florida lagging on development of green roofs
Florida lagging on development of green roofs.
Green | Dec 23, 2015
Austin, Texas mandates construction recycling
Projects larger than 5,000 sf must recycle or salvage at least half of their trash.
Green | Dec 15, 2015
USGBC aims to scaling LEED buildings to 5 billion sf in five years
Plan revealed at UN climate conference.
Green | Dec 13, 2015
Detroit plans massive effort to convert vacant properties to green spaces
Effort aims to improve property values, city life.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 10, 2015
AASHE’s STARS tool highlights the university sector’s holistic approach to sustainability
Buzzwords like “living lab” and “experiential learning” are indicative of the trend toward more holistic sustainability programs that incorporate all facets of college life.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 8, 2015
Is ‘green’ still a selling point in the office sector?
Some developers are missing an opportunity by downplaying sustainability at a time when demand for such features is palpable among lessee firms who are trying to attract younger workers.
Greenbuild Report | Dec 1, 2015
Data centers turn to alternative power sources, new heat controls and UPS systems
Data centers account for 2% of the nation’s electricity consumption and about 30% of the power used annually by the economy’s information and communications technology sector, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Greenbuild Report | Nov 30, 2015
10 megatrends shaping the future of green building
Increased competition among green building rating systems, the rise of net-zero buildings, and a sharper focus on existing structures are among the trends that will drive sustainability through 2020, according to author and green building expert Jerry Yudelson.
Green | Nov 30, 2015
Federal agencies aim for major reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
A 42% cut to come from buildings, vehicles, supply chain.
