plans have been unveiled for what is believed to be the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome. located in rang-du-fliers, a small town in northern france, ‘tropicalia’ will form a tropical biodome measuring 15,000 square meters (approximately 161,460 square feet). the scheme intends to immerse visitors in an exotic world, providing a constant temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) in a region with a notoriously poor climate.

 

UPDATE: this project was shortlisted in the ‘leisure led development – future project’ category at the 2018 world architecture festival.

plans unveiled for the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
the project is believed to be the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
image and video © octav tirziu atelier

 

 

designed by coldefy & associés, ‘tropicalia’ will contain a diverse range of fauna and flora: butterflies, exotic flowers, hummingbirds, waterfalls, aquarium basins, fish, turtles, and more. internally, the absence of load-bearing columns ensures that views are not obstructed. meanwhile, a green wall runs along the perimeter, restricting external sightlines and channeling views of the sky above.

plans unveiled for the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
the biodome will contain a diverse range of fauna and flora
image courtesy of coldefy & associés

 

 

disconnected from the world outside, a kilometer-long walkway navigates the undulating terrain, allowing guests to take in views of animals, trees, and flowers. from the exterior, the architecture seeks to merge with the landscape. in order to reduce the visible scale of the building, ‘tropicalia’ is partially set into the ground, rising as a gentle hill in its natural landscape. the roof structure is composed of pressurized ETFE air cushions set within an aluminum frame.

plans unveiled for the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
the scheme provides a constant temperature in a region with a notoriously poor climate
image courtesy of coldefy & associés

plans unveiled for the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
a green wall runs along the perimeter, restricting external sightlines
image courtesy of coldefy & associés

plans unveiled for the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
site plan
image courtesy of coldefy & associés

plans unveiled for the world’s largest tropical greenhouse under a single dome
sections
image courtesy of coldefy & associés

 

 

project info:

 

location: côte d’opale, france
use: tropical greenhouse, veterinary clinic, gourmet restaurant, hotel
size: 20,000 sqm
status: in progress
client: opale tropical concept