French architecture studio Coldefy & Associates Architects Urban Planners (CAAU) has released plans to build the world's largest tropical greenhouse in Côte d'Opale, France. 

Dubbed Tropicalia, the 20,000-square-metre structure will include a tropical greenhouse, veterinary clinic, gourmet restaurant and hotel, creating a harmonious world and connecting man to an exotic natural, providing a constant temperature of 28°C in a region with notoriously poor weather. 

"Whether it is an invitation into a dream, a grand voyage or an educational trip, Tropicalia is a place of discovery, amazement and ecological awareness," said the studio in its project decsription.

The large structure will offer a unique place that will contain a diverse range of fauna and flora, butterflies, exotic flowers, hummingbirds, waterfalls, aquarium basins, fish, turtles, caimans and more. Proposing an exotic interior world, the architects bring an innovative architectural approach with the sensation of complete immersion within the structure. 

"The absence of any load-bearing columns that would disrupt the view or introduce artificiality, coupled with the natural treatment of the perimeter vegetal wall that allows only a view up to the sky from within, visitors have the sensation of a space disconnected from the world outside," said the firm.

"From the exterior, the architecture merges with the landscape: the building is partially set in the ground, diminishing its height and impact. From a distant view, the structure rises like a gentle hill in its natural landscape."

The design scheme intends to create an increased resourcefulness and a serious sustainable approach. Therefore, the architects will apply a special roof structure that is composed by EFTE pressurized air cushions within an aluminum frame.

Construction starts in 2019 and it is expected to be completed in 2021. 

All images courtesy of Coldefy & Associates Architects Urban Planners

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