Eden Project Haddad

THE EDEN PROJECT | GrimshawC O R N W A L L • U N I T E D K I N G D O M

JOSHUA F. HADDAD | 392498 | Environmental Design | Project Analysis | Tutor Fiona McLean

image shows: The Edges of the Biomes and the Reclaimed China Clay Pit during Constructionimage source: The Architects’ Journal, v. 213, Feb. 22 2001 (p. 31)

DETAIL | Bio-diversity

image shows: Rainforest Butterfly in ‘Tropics’ Biomeimage source: howstuffworks.com

THE LINK

image shows: Site Under Construction; The Link (connects 2 Indoor Biomes)materials used: made of Rammed Earth Walls & Green Roofimage source: The Architects’ Journal, v. 213, Feb. 22 2001 (p. 36)

THE VISITOR CENTRE

image shows: Visitor Centre; Serves as Park’s Main Entrance; (Footbridge from Car Parking)materials used: Fabric Roof; Steel Frame; Retaining Walls; Timberimage source: The Architects’ Journal, v. 213, Feb. 22 2001 (p. 37)

THE CORE

image shows: The Core; (Primary Educational & Learning Facilities)materials used: Photovoltaic Solar Cells; Copper Roof; Timber; Recycled Newsprintimage source: The Architectural Review, v. 1305, Nov. 2005 (p. 68)

SITE | Entrance & Approach

image shows: Fabric-Covered Visitor Centre [foreground]; Biomes & Quarry [background]image source: Grimshaw

THE BIOMES | Site Edges & Context

THE BIOMES | Aerial View THE BIOMES | Interior Gardens

image shows: Steel Hex Biome Structure; ETFE Foil; Hex-’Pillows’; Quarry Edgeimage source: Grimshaw

image shows: The ‘Tropics’ Biome; Interior Mist & Humidity Preserved by ETFE Thermoplastic Foilimage source: Grimshaw

ProjectTHE EDEN PROJECT

ArchitectNICHOLAS GRIMSHAW & PARTNERS

LocationCORNWALL, UNITED KINGDOM

Site HistoryRURAL | RECLAIMED KAOLINITE QUARRY[66m-deep BODELVA CHINA CLAY PIT]

ClientTIM SMIT & JONATHAN BALL

DatesYear Initiated : 1995 / 1996Year Completion : VARIES (2000 - 2005)

Eden PhasesPHASE 1 – VISITORS CENTRE (2000)PHASE 2 – BIOMES AND BIOME LINK BLDG (2001)PHASE 3 – EDEN FOUNDATION / EDEN INSTITUTE BLDG (2003)PHASE 4 – THE CORE / EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE (2005)PHASE 5 : ‘THE EDGE’ DESERT BIOME (planning phase / pending)

Size23,000 SQ M | 247,480 SQ FT | 15 HECTARES [450m end-to-end]

Primary MaterialsGALVANIZED STEEL HEX-TRI-HEX SPACEFRAMEETFE THERMOPLASTIC FOIL (ETHYLENE TETRA FLUORO ETHYLENE)RECONSTRUCTED SOIL & GLOBALLY DIVERSE VEGETATION

Data [Area, Weight, Dimensions, Total # Plants & Species] PLAN AREA : 22,000m²SURFACE AREA : 30,000m²WEIGHT STEEL FRAME : 667 tonnesWEIGHT AIR ENCLOSED : 536 tonnesSTEEL TUBE DIMENSIONS : 193 mm diameterLARGEST BIOME DIMENSIONS : 55m high | 240m long | 110m wideLARGEST HEXAGONAL ‘PILLOW’ : 75m² | 2m deepLARGEST HEXAGONAL PLANE : 11m spanTOTAL # PLANTS & SPECIES : over 100,000 plants ; over 5,000 species

Structural EngineerANTHONY HUNT ASSOCIATES

Services EngineerARUP

Cost ConsultantDAVIS LANGDON & EVEREST

Main ContractorMCALPINE JOINT VENTURE

Landscape ArchitectLAND USE CONSULTANTS

Project Budget£57 - £75 MILLION GBP[approx. $100 - $150 MILLION AUD][Initial Grant - 1995 : £25,000][Recent Grant - 2006 : £360,000]

WorkforceCURRENTLY EMPLOYS : 500+EMPLOYMENT DATA : 95% Local ; 75% Previously UnemployedPROJECTED EDEN PROJECT EMPLOYMENT : 700+PROJECTED CORNWALL EMPLOYMENT (due to project) : 1700+

Average # Visitors2 MILLION / YEAR (approx.)3,500+ / DAY

Climate [Cornwall, UK]ANNUAL AVG. HIGH : 13.8°C (57°F)ANNUAL AVG. LOW : 9.3°C (49°F)ANNUAL PRECIPITATION : 844 mm (33.23”)SUNSHINE HOURS : 1,805AVG. PRECIPITATION DAYS : 200

Population [Cornwall, UK]514,000 (approx. 144 people per sq. km.)

M+E SubcontractorCOLSTON

Steelwork ContractorMERO UK (Biomes); SNASHALLS (Visitor Centre);PRING & ST HILL (Link)

image shows: Event Stage [left]; Humid ‘Tropics’ Biome [back]; Warm ‘Temperate’ Biome [front right]; South-facing Slope; Terraces; Kaolinite Clay Pit; Circulation & Outdoor (Mediterranean) Gardensimage source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Project


CONTEXT MAP | Site Access

map source: Google Mapsdiagram overlay: Joshua F. Haddad

LONDON

CORNWALL

Cornwall Approximately5-hour Drive from London[281 miles / 452 kilometers]

image shows: Main Access Road (Bodelva Road); Eden Project (A); Park Entrance (B); Circulation & Parking; Rural / Agrarian Context [Farmland]map source: Google Maps

AERIAL MAP | Site Circulation & Rural Context [Farmland]

image shows: Former Kaolinite Quarry / China Clay Pitimage source: howstuffworks.com

image shows: The Visitor Centre / Main Entrance [bottom left]; Outdoor Arena [center left]; Biomes; The Core [bottom right]; Gardens & Circulationimage source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/conservationists/eden.htm

SITE HISTORY

AERIAL PHOTO | Biomes, Outdoor Gardens & Circulation

Admission CostAdults £16.00Seniors £11.00Students £8.00Children £6.00Families £39.00


Humid ‘Tropics’Biome (1)

Warm ‘Temperate’Biome (2)

Outdoor GardenBiome (3)

The Stage[outdoor events & performances]

The Core[educational centre, café, sculpture, & research labs]

The Link[shops, café, restaurant, entrance to Biomes]

TheArena

The West Side

The Visitor Centre[main entrance, information, café]

Parkingplan source: The Architectural Review, v. 1305, Nov. 2005 (p. 70)diagram overlay: Joshua F. Haddad

The Coresection shows central sculpturesection source: The Architectural Review, v. 1305, Nov. 2005 (p. 70)

SECTIONS



section source: Grimshaw

section source: Grimshaw

section source: The Architects’ Journal, N. 7, V. 213, 22 Feb. 2001 (p. 32)

The Link

Warm ‘Temperate’Biome (2)

Avg. Temp. 24°CAvg. Humidity 90%

Avg. Temp. 24°CAvg. Humidity 90%

Min. Temp. 9°C [winter]Max. Temp. 25°C [summer]

‘South’-facingTerraced Slope

[max. sunlight]

WARM ‘TEMPERATE’ BIOME (2)



SITE PLAN | Circulation & Program

image shows: Interior View of Warm ‘Temperate’ Biome (Greenhouse)materials: ETFE Thermoplastic; Steel Hex Structure; Vegetation & Reconstructed Soilsimage source: howstuffworks.com

image shows: Map of Vegetation & Plant Typesimage source: The Eden Project (website)

image shows: The Outdoor Gardens & Installationimage source: Wikipedia (Eden Project website)

image shows: Steel Hex-Frameimage source: Wikipedia (Eden Project website)

image shows: Biome Installation & Scaleimage source: howstuffworks.com (Eden Project website)

Built on the South-Facing Slope of a reclaimed clay pit, these climate controlled biomes gain maximum solar exposure. In addition, the innovative ETFE (EthylTetraFluorEthylene) foil - only 1% the weight of glass - actually transmits more UV Light into the greenhouses, allowing them to store more heat. They hold plants from all across the globe.

The natural terracing of the site allowed designers to create a ‘theatre’ inside. The Steel hex spaceframe has no vertical supports in the center, allowing a maximum footprint for the interior landscaping and bio-diversity. The Link between the two biomes serves as the main entrance, offering shopping, dining, and facilities; this “Link” is constructed of rammed earth walls and a greenroof (to blend into the surrounding landscape).

image source: The Architects’ Journal, N. 7, V. 213, 22 Feb. 2001 (pp. 32 - 33)text overlay: Joshua F. Haddad

HUMID ‘TROPICS’ BIOME (1)

THE LINKMade of rammed earth walls & a greenroof, The Link holds shops, a café, a restaurant, and serves as the main entrance to the Biomes.

The ‘Tropics’ Biome is the largest biome, with over 1,000 different species of plants. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 35°C (average 24°C); and maintains a 90% humidity.

THE BIOMES

image source: howstuffworks.com

BIOME GEOMETRY



SOLAR CELLS & VENTILATION

image shows: ‘The Core’ [foreground] - showing Solar Cells & Natural Ventilation; Biomesimage source: The Architectural Review, v. 1305, November 2005 (p. 69).

Vents open at the top of the biomes. In addition, the innovative triple layer of ETFE Foils inflate or deflate to regulate the internal temperature. Constructed in hexagonal pieces, they resist wear and staining - and are designed to last about25 years, when replacement technology ispredicted to improve.

image shows: Steel Hex Biome Structure; ETFE Foil; Hex-’Pillows’; Natural Ventilationimage source: Grimshaw text overlay: Joshua F. Haddad

STRUCTURE & CLADDING

image shows: Night View; Steel Hex Frameimage source: Grimshaw

MATERIALSAccording to Grimshaw, all materials connected to the Eden Project have ‘traceable sources’. In addition, the project utilizes recycled materials and paper products. The galvanized steel spaceframe and ETFE thermoplastic foil (much lighter than glass) are designed with enormous efficiency - weighing little more than the air contained within the biomes. In addition, regenerated soil & compost add value to a highly decimated site.

WIND & VENTILATIONThe greenhouses require highly regulated climate, temperature & humidity in order to mimic ecologically distinct biomes. However, natural ventilation is still utilized to maintain airflow and allow cooling. Openable triangular windows and side-vents are used on the hexagonal biomes. A triple-layer of thermoplastic foil also allows individual hexagonal ‘pillows’ to inflate & deflate - regulating internal temperatures. In addition, ‘The Core’ and ‘The Link’ both can be naturally ventilated - though temperatures are typically regulated.

RADIANT SOLAR ENERGY & LIGHTINGAs plants are heavily reliant on the sun for growth, lighting was clearly important for the design of the greenhouses and outdoor gardens. The site chosen is on a South-facing slope (climatically advantageous in Cornwall, UK). The ETFE plastic also transmits more light than traditional glass, providing plants more solar exposure, and heating the soil and air to regulate temperatures at night. Solar cells were installed on ‘The Core’ building to provide ‘most’ of the energy required for daily use.

STRUCTURE & CLADDINGThe triple layer steel spaceframe is made up of transportable hexagonal, pentagonal, and triangle shells, mimicking Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic domes. The innovative use of plastic ETFE to replace glass (only 1% the weight) allows the structure to span unsupported vertically - opening up a huge volume for planting and bio-diversity. Complex modeling programs were also utilized to design for a ‘constantly changing’ terrain (as this was formerly an active clay quarry) - customizing the sizes and dimensions for each hexagonal ‘pillow’. The pieces were able to be constructed separately in modules, and are designed to last about 25 years as technologies and available materials improve. In addition, ‘The Link’ building is made up of rammed earth walls and a greenroof - making it easier to regulate temperature and control internal climate.

MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SERVICESWorking with Colston (M + E Services), the Eden Project actually runs almost entirely on ‘green credit’ energy. ‘Most’ of the energy required for ‘The Core’ building is provided by rooftop solar cells. In addition, energy generated by a nearby windmill farm within the region ensures that much of the energy for the buildings is ‘green’. Lighting and air-handling, as mentioned, are highly regulated - both done almost entirely naturally - via Solar Lighting & Radiant Energy.

WATER & HYDROLOGYAccording to Grimshaw, almost all of the water required for this massive project is actually collected and generated on site. Because of the topography and hydrology of the land - a large clay pit - water collection occurs naturally. Because flooding was a huge problem during construction, the design of sumps and recycled water was quickly incorporated into the design. Now, all of the recycled grey water is filtered and used for toilets, irrigation, and plumbing. The core and other structures also have drainage built into the design, making the reuse of water for planting and people a highly efficient feature of the project.

STRUCTURAL DETAILS

image source: The Architects’ Journal, N. 7, V. 213, 22 Feb. 2001 (pp. 38 - 39)

STEEL-FRAME CONSTRUCTION

image(s) source: ‘Garten Eden’ : MERO GmbH & Co.

NATURAL VENTILATION

image shows: Biome Natural Ventilation (openable vents to cool space)image source: Eco Structures (pp. 54 – 55)

image shows: Biomes Under Construction ; Steel Hex Structure; ETFE Foil; Hex-’Pillows’image source: howstuffworks.com

image shows: Steel Hex Frame & Human Scaleimage source: howstuffworks.com



image description: Biomes & Link; showing Field of Light installation by Bruce Munroimage source: Wikipedia (The Eden Project website)

PROJECT SUMMARYThe Eden Project is an ambitious, high profile ecological entertainment and educational facility; made up of outdoor gardens and two giant enclosed steel & thermoplastic multi-hexagonal-domed greenhouses mimicking the climate and plants of tropical and temperate rainforests. Built in the spirit of Buckminster Fuller – and picking up on a long tradition of enclosed botanic gardens (Kew; Biosphere 2; Montreal Biodome; Heligan) – the Biomes hold an enormous array of bio-diversity, and currently rank as the largest enclosed greenhouses in the world. Constructed on a former Kaolinite quarry (clay-pit), the project has won countless awards for its ecological improvements: restoring and reclaiming a degraded landscape; utilizing ‘green’ energy from solar cells and local windmills; active and passive energy systems; recycling grey water run-off for irrigation and drainage; use of efficient, recycled, and locally ‘traceable’ materials; reconstructing soils; utilizing rammed earth walls and a greenroof (on the Biome Link); and educating the public about the environment, ecology, and land-use. Containing plants from all across the globe (Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North & South America), the Eden Project promotes itself as both a learning facility and a popular tourist attraction – offering entertainment events, libraries, recreation, shops, restaurants, cafés, and horticultural research facilities for visitors and scientists alike. The design process utilized sophisticated 3-D modeling and innovative materials – including hexagonal steel framing and lightweight ETFE foil (only 1% the weight of traditional glass) – allowing for wide unsupported spans (ideal for large plants and open space). Additionally, principles of natural geometries and organic structures have informed buildings like ‘The Core’ – resulting in architecture which has become highly iconic and famously profiled (even being featured as a backdrop in movies like James Bond).

CRITICAL ANALYSISClearly a vast improvement over the ravaged conditions of the original site – it’s obvious that anything would be better than what was there – a degraded clay quarry – making any cursory assessment of the project positive. The Eden Project’s emphasis on ecology and learning, as well as its use of solar energy, windmill farms, passive lighting, natural ventilation, recycled materials, intelligent structure, efficient water-use, diverse vegetation, and careful siting also buttress this design as a remarkable example of ecologically-savvy architecture. However, a closer read of the project suggests that it is also a highly touristic and commercialized enterprise – a business of epic proportions, similar to any theme park – suggesting that it is likely taxing local resources, increasing traffic, crowding highways, wasting space for parking, draining tax-dollars, and eroding an agrarian/rural landscape. It’s use of introduced vegetation and exotic plant life – while increasing bio-diversity – also opens up the possibility of potentially destructive invasive species. A recent request for an extended grant for a third Desert Biome (‘The Edge’) didn’t receive funding, suggesting that popular opinion or support for the project may be waning. And of course, it all feels a bit ‘Disney’ – over-hyped; over-capitalized; and over-awarded. But the fact that this project is so high profile and entertainment focused also likely ensures its economic sustainability – a certain requisite for such an ambitious and large-scale project to survive. In that sense, it is hard to find fault with the way this project has been conceived, implemented, and maintained – and may in fact stand as wise role-model for environmentally informed and popularly sustainable design for years to come. In spite of its commercialized aspects, it does seem the Eden Project has made genuine effort to improve the conditions of place: providing lots of opportunities for local jobs & employment; connecting with learning and youth-oriented ecological education; locating ‘traceable’ materials; and even sharing much of its information and technologies with design communities and the general public. All in all, it seems the Eden Project has proven highly worthwhile, and it is difficult to find fault with the results, or to propose a better solution than what has already been conceived and successfully tested.

REFERENCES

The architecture of Eden. Hugh Pearman & Andrew Whalley. London : Grimshaw, 2003.

Eco Structures : Forms of Sustainable Architecture. Antonino Terranova, Gianpaola Spirito, Sabrina Leone & Leone Spita. Italy : White Star Publishers, 2009 (pp. 48 – 57).

Architects’ Journal, Number 7, Volume 213, 22 February 2001. Author: Isabel Allen. Article: ‘A Taste of Eden’ (pp. 30 – 39).

‘Garten Eden : The structural making of the Eden Domes’. Klaus Knebel, Jaime Sanchez-Alvarez & Stefan Zimmermann. Spacefeeling, Germany : MERO GmbH & Co, 2001.

The Architectural Review, v. 1305, November 2005. Article: ‘East of Eden’ (pp. 68 – 71).

WEB REFERENCES

http://www.edenproject.com/

http://www.grimshaw-architects.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eden_Project

http://www.merouk.co.uk/structures/2000eden.htm

ht tp: / / sc i ence .howstu f fworks . com/conservationists/eden.htm

http://www.mero-tsk.de/uploads/tx_cwtcartoongallery/Eden_Project_english.pdf

image description: Person Scaling The Biomes; showing Scale, Resilience, & Enormity of Hexagonal ‘Pillows’image source: Grimshaw

SCALE OF BIOMES

THE CORE - ROOFTOP

THE CORE - PLAN

THE CORE - INTERIOR

above images (3): show ‘The Core’ design - based on natural plant geometryimage source: The Architectural Review, v. 1305, November 2005 (p. 68 - 71).

NIGHT INSTALLATION

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Eden Project Haddad