Tropicalia | Coldefy

Named «Tropicalia», the 20,000m2 structure will be the largest of its kind, featuring a tropical forest, a turtle beach, 82-foot-high waterfall, an Olympic-sized pool for Amazonian fish, and a one- kilometer-long walking trail, all designed to make it a «harmonious haven». There will also be an auditorium, restaurant, bed and breakfast, and a scientific area complete with conference room, laboratory, and clinic.

The quality of the interior spaces is assured by its total opening which is never interrupted of vertical structure within the enclosure of its large roof.

To make sure the $62-million project is as eco- friendly as possible, ETFE plastic technology is being utilised in a «double-dome», allowing UV light to pass through while controlling thermal conditions inside. A third layer of ETFE will be placed underneath the structure, which will itself be partially embedded into the landscape, allowing natural thermal heat to be captured. With all of this combined, it’s believed the project will be energy-self-sufficient and there’s even the possibility excess energy can be distributed out to surrounding buildings

The scope of the project requires a location around the city allowing a generous deployment and a capacity to accommodate many visitors. In contrast to a «megastructure», the building does not create a break with its environment but rises to welcome its universe of fauna and flora. The building is partially embedded in the ground, thus decreasing its height to minimize its impact but also to reduce the distance for visitors who will start their journey from the top level of the greenhouse.

The store will consist of a bookstore with books on the theme of nature and the environment. Souvenir items (stuffed animals, insect figurines, butterfly paintings, pens ...) will be available as well as an entomological service. This service will offer various products for biological pest control in the garden. For the children, didactic products will be proposed: purchases of pupae of native butterflies (the child observes the emergence of the butterfly and releases it then in its garden) and kits of breeding of stick insects, triops and ants.

The bar and the restaurant are in the continuity of the course and invite the visitor to relax at the end of the visit. This unique and flexible ambulatory space will also host children’s games, video rooms as well as fun and interactive activities.

Modular conference rooms will meet the needs of local businesses and associations, they will allow the organization of themed conferences especially during exhibitions and fairs organized by Tropicalia (ex: Salon de l’orchidée).
The Gastronomic Restaurant will offer future guests the opportunity to taste the dishes of a Michelin-starred chef while enjoying an unobstructed view of the interior of the greenhouse. The restaurant will be accessible by a parking and a specific entrance and independent.

A 250-seat Auditorium will be located under the gourmet restaurant. Designed as a real amphitheater, it can host seminars, conferences or even serve as a projection room.

Finally, Bed and Breakfast connected to the future hotel will allow a total immersion in the universe of the greenhouse. At night, guests can enjoy a unique show in complete privacy: lights and caustics, lighting pools ...

Construction on Tropicalia is due to begin soon.
It’s expected up to 500,000 visitors will visit each year.

client Opale Tropical Concept
architect Coldefy (lead architect), Thomas Amarsy (associate architect, BIM manager)
team Projex (BET techniques), Eckersley O’Callaghan (BET Façades), Engie (BET Thermique), Mingzhu Nerval (landscape design and botanical horticulture)
surface 20 000m²
status ongoing studies
year 2023
place Rang-du-Fliers (fr)
program tropical greenhouse, veterinary clinic, gastronomic restaurant, hotel