May 23, 2014
Tropicalia - the biggest animal greenhouse in France
As a 15,000 square meters tropical greenshouse with a temperature of 28 degree C, Tropicalia is a bubble of harmony that connects Man to the vegetal and animal world in a region where the weather is notoriously poor. Just like an invitation to a daydream, a great escape or an educational trip, Tropicalia designs an Eden garden where discovery and amazement are omnipresent, where the conditions for an ecological awareness are optimal, where the sustainable approach is perfectly integrated. This unique place will get together a diversified fauna and flora: butterflies gathering pollen from exotic flowers, hummingbirds from all around the world, a water garden with waterfalls and basins in which Amazonian fishes, turtles and caimans may swim freely…
Beyond the eminently exotic interior arrangement, the sensation of complete immersion is made possible thanks to the innovative architecture of the greenhouse. With no load-bearing posts (that could disrupt the view or give the impression on an artificial place) and the presence of an outlying vegetal wall preventing from seeing outside, visitors have the sensation of a timeless and spaceless cocoon.
Here, the architecture merges with the landscape : the building is partially set in the ground, diminishing its hight and impact. From a distant view, the greenhouse rises like a low hill. The topological curves fit closely the landscape shapes in a perfect dialogue, adding to the harmonious architectural integration. Besides, the hight of the dome allows the complete growth of the trees inside de greenhouse. It also enables the creation of suspended bridges that will delight the children.
A project such as Tropicalia implies an increased ingeniousness and serious ethical considerations. Thus, we came up with a roof structure composed by Texlon pressurized air cushions held by an aluminium framework. In addition to it's weather proofing and non-flammable nature, this structure also happens to be light, aesthetic, and isn't issued from the petrochemical industry. In the same way as the roof, the heating system demands special attention given the size of this open area. Several options are considered, among which geothermics and methanisation.
Area
15,000 square meters
Internal temperature
28 degree C
Animal families
butterflies, nectarivorous and frugivorous birds, fishes and rays, reptiles
Ceiling height
10 to 26 m
Programme
greenhouse, tropical forest for birds and butterflies, low basin for rays and turtles, «tactile» basin, big basin with lateral glazing, botanic discovery, conference room, laboratory and clinic, book and gift store, cafeteria, car park
Status
study
Related links
About CAAU
Zac Paris Austerlitz
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