Synergy between architecture and nature

26,000m2 of botanical gardens under giant biomorphic bubbles

The setting for one of the most sophisticated projects to have been implemented within the framework of the millennium celebrations is a disused kaolin mine in Cornwall. It is, in fact, the site of the largest greenhouse complex in the world.

The Eden Project enables visitors to experience at first hand both the biological variety that exists in global terms, and the significance of the plant world for human existence. Trees and plants from both the warm Mediterranean regions and the hot and humid tropics are enclosed in the greenhouses while the surrounding landscape represents the cooler, more temperate climes.

Nicholas Grimshaw Architects designed the two gigantic clusters of geodetic domes, the so-called biomes. With a minimum of surface area, they envelop a maximum of volume. The “space frames”, ultra-lightweight hexagonal tubular steel structures up to 60m high, are clad with triple-layered “cushions” of ETFE film (ethyltetrafluoroethylene). The transparent film material is 10 times lighter than glass. Thanks to the basic hexagonal structure, it was possible to fit the biomes organically into the varying topography of the area without the need for wholesale explosive work to smooth the partially rocky ground. Moreover, this approach meant that the rocks in the surrounding area could be integrated within the energy concept as heat storage units .

We chose  DORMA HSW-EM horizontal sliding wall systems – maximum effect, minimum reduction of useful area sliding wall. Because, when automatically stacked together, the panels only take up a minimum of space – a decisive consideration for the Eden Project," explained David Mitchell. "Moreover, the system is reliable and robust and offers the right aesthetic elegance for the building in which it is installed." And DORMA products were also chosen for the "original" Eden build. The entrance doors of the biomes are equipped with TS 92 cam-action door closers in the Softline design, concealed BTS 80 floor springs and SR 390 double door co-ordinators with telescopic spring retarders. All helping to eliminate any barriers and bottlenecks that might inhibit the flow of international visitors wishing to imbibe the fantastic experience that architecture and nature have combined to provide in this new Garden of Eden.