Page 58 - Building Journal - April 2014

OVERSEAS

s a 15,000 square meters tropical of a timeless and spaceless cocoon.
greenshouse with a temperature Here, the architecture merges with
Aof 28 degree C, Tropicalia is a the landscape : the building is partially
bubble of harmony that connects Man to set in the ground, diminishing its
the vegetal and animal world in a region hight and impact. From a distant view,
where the weather is notoriously poor. the greenhouse rises like a low hill.
Just like an invitation to a daydream, The topological curves fit closely the
a great escape or an educational trip, landscape shapes in a perfect dialogue,
Tropicalia designs an Eden garden adding to the harmonious architectural
where discovery and amazement are integration. Besides, the hight of the dome
omnipresent, where the conditions for an allows the complete growth of the trees
ecological awareness are optimal, where inside de greenhouse. It also enables the
the sustainable approach is perfectly creation of suspended bridges that will
integrated. This unique place will get delight the children.
together a diversified fauna and flora: A project such as Tropicalia implies
butterflies gathering pollen from exotic an increased ingeniousness and serious
flowers, hummingbirds from all around ethical considerations. Thus, we came
the world, a water garden with waterfalls up with a roof structure composed by
and basins in which Amazonian fishes, Texlon pressurized air cushions held by
turtles and caimans may swim freely an aluminium framework. In addition to
Beyond the eminently exotic interior its weather proofing and non-flammable
arrangement, the sensation of complete nature, this structure also happens to
immersion is made possible thanks to the be light, aesthetic, and isnt issued from
innovative architecture of the greenhouse. the petrochemical industry. In the same
With no load-bearing posts (that could way as the roof, the heating system
disrupt the view or give the impression demands special attention given the size
on an artificial place) and the presence of of this open area. Several options are
an outlying vegetal wall preventing from considered, among which geothermics
seeing outside, visitors have the sensation and methanisation.

56 Building Journal