Tropicalia

Tropicalia, a tropical greenhouse heated to 28 ° C, is spread over an area of ​​20,000m² on the Côte d’Opale, North of France. A true “bubble of harmony”, it reconnects visitors with the plant and animal world in a region where the climate is often harsh. Tropicalia is a place of discovery, wonder and awareness, an invitation to dream, travel and learn. It will be hosting rich and diverse flora and fauna: exotic flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds, Amazonian fish, turtles, caimans, water gardens, waterfalls and ponds.

Beyond the exotic interior design, the feeling of immersion is reinforced by the architecture of the greenhouse. The absence of load-bearing posts and the presence of a vegetated peripheral wall accentuate the feeling of a cocoon. The architecture is assimilated to the landscape: the building is partially embedded in the ground, thus reducing its height and impact. From a distance, the greenhouse seems to rise like a slight hill. The height of the dome allows the complete growth of the greenhouse trees as well as the creation of suspension bridges that will delight the youngest. The roof structure is made up of pressurized EFTE air cushions held in place by an aluminium frame.

type

Public / Culture

client

Opale Tropical Concept

architect

Coldefy (lead architect), Thomas Amarsy (associate architect, BIM manager)

collaborators

Projex, Eckersley O’Callaghan, Engie, Mingzhu Nerval

surface

20,000 m²

status

in progress

location

Rang-du-Fliers (fr)

year

2026

program

Tropical greenhouse, veterinary clinic, gastronomic restaurant, hotel

awards

WAF 2019, MIPIM Award 2019

drawings