Eden project
Sir Nicholas Grimshaw
- Presented by Irfana.E.I
Introduction.
The Eden Project, located in Cornwall, England, is a world-famous
ecological and architectural site that combines a botanical garden with a
sustainability education center. Known for its giant biomes, it houses
diverse plant species from various climates and highlights the vital
connection between people and nature, promoting conservation and
sustainable living.
Designed
Grimshaw
by Sir Nicholas
Innovative
Uses geodesic domes made
from ETFE foil—stronger and
lighter than glass
Technology in
Architecture
Represents biomimicry and
futuristic eco-design
Purpose and Mission:
Educate visitors about biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability
Demonstrate how architecture can coexist with nature
Encourage environmental awareness and action
Mission.
Reconnecting people with nature
Promoting environmental awareness
How issues like climate change and biodiversity
loss caused by avoiding nature By working with
and as part of nature.
Aim to get things done in three main ways:
Respect: People are part of - not apart from - nature
Protect: Protect wild places
Repair: Repair damaged spaces that need to be fixed
Main
Components.
Biomes: Dome-like greenhouses inspired by nature
Rainforest Biome: World’s largest indoor rainforest
Mediterranean Biome: Plants from warm temperate
zones
Outdoor Gardens: Native and temperate plant
species
Core Building: Flower-shaped education and
research center
Regenerative Landscape: Built on a reclaimed clay
quarry
Context-specific design: Suits local climate and
terrain
Low-energy architecture: Eco-conscious building
techniques
Global icon: Model of sustainable and innovative
design
Biome
Architecture
Designed by Grimshaw Architects
Includes two main Biomes: Rainforest
and Mediterranean, connected by the
Link building
Inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s
geodesic system
Geodesic design offers maximum
strength with minimal weight
Similar structural approach used
earlier by Grimshaw at Waterloo
International Station
Design and Each hexagon has 3 layer of ETFE
Materials
Inspiration: Soap bubbles—flexible, adaptive to uneven
surfaces like the clay pit
Structure: ‘Lean-to’ geodesic domes with hex-tri-hex steel
space frames
Outer layer: Hexagons and some pentagons (up to 11m
wide)
Inner layer: Hexagons and triangles bolted together
Foundation: Anchored with ground ties like tent pegs for
stability
Cladding Material: ETFE cushions (light, UV-transmitting,
self-cleaning)
Triple-layered, inflated “pillows” – lighter than glass
but strong enough to hold a car’s weight
Efficiency: Steel frame is so light it weighs only slightly
more than the air inside the Biomes
Structure Design: Interconnected domes inspired by
Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic structure
Structure: Steel space frame allows large open spans
without columns
Material: ETFE panels(Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene )–
lightweight, durable, UV-resistant, self-cleaning, and
recyclable, 95% LIGHT TRANSMISSION
Benefits: High light transmission and reduced
structural load compared to glass
Foundation: Built on a reclaimed clay pit, using
natural topography for insulation and seamless
landscape integration
Sustainable Materials Recycled Materials:
Floors made from Heineken bottles
Entrance mats from truck tyres
Reclaimed wood in café flooring
Responsibly Sourced Materials:
Copper roof traceable to a single certified mine
Glulam timber beams – efficient and low waste
Low Waste & Minimal Material Use:
Honeycomb-inspired Biome design for maximum
strength, minimal material
Fewer products used overall to reduce
environmental impact
Low-Carbon Choices:
Focus on durable, low-emission materials
Reduce transport impact and material
replacements
Core Building
Architecture of the core building.
Opened: 2005, reimagined in 2017/18 with new galleries, solar panels on the roof
café, labs, and play areas
Inspiration: Biomimicry, based on the Fibonacci spiral seen
in sunflowers and pinecones
Design Focus: Fit for purpose, future-proof, minimal waste,
sustainable materials
Materials & Features:
Super-insulated walls made from recycled newspaper
Flooring from recycled Heineken bottles
Photovoltaic panels for clean energy
Red Spruce beams (FSC-certified)
Minimal use of concrete (low carbon impact)
Goal: Environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and
inspired by natural growth patterns
Facts and figures
230 miles of scaffolding : was needed in building the Biomes, and Fibonacci spirals
got us into the the Guinness Book of Records for using the most
scaffolding!
35 football pitches is the size of the area that is our Outdoor
Gardens, Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes cover, which is about
13 hectares.
43 million gallons of rainwater fell in 90 days during the build.
426 tonnes of air is contained in the Rainforest Biome, and the
structure only weighs 465 tonnes! (Dry air at standard temperature
and pressure).
The Rainforest Biome covers about 16,000m² and is 50m high -
you could fit the Tower of London inside it!
The Mediterranean Biome covers about 6540m² and is 30m high.
We used 2,000, 11m-long rock anchors to stabilise the sides of the
clay pit.
Sustainable
Architecture
Super Insulation:
ETFE cushions act as thermal blankets in Biomes
Recycled newspaper used for building insulation
Green roofs provide natural insulation and support biodiversity
Energy Efficiency:
Focus on reducing energy use
Solar panels on Core roof for clean energy
Water Harvesting:
Low-flush toilets and sensor taps
Harvested water used for flushing and irrigation
Natural Light:
Daylight-optimized design reduces electricity use
Future Plans .
Plans for a 109-bedroom eco-hotel on Eden’s outer estate
Includes classrooms to support education programs
Designed by Tate Harmer, experts in sustainable architecture
Features sustainably-designed structure with timber cladding and poles
Aims to provide eco-friendly accommodation for visitors
Thankyou.
"We demonstrate and inspire positive action for the planet."
- https://youtu.be/wuOjoU27wx4
