Eden project cornwall biome

The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, houses giant biomes recreating global climates, combining iconic architecture and environmental education.

About this subject

The Eden Project, located in St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom, is an environmental complex housing the world's largest greenhouses. Opened in 2001, it was built in an open-pit china clay mine. Its most famous biomes are the Rainforest Biome, covering 1.5 hectares and reaching 55 meters in height, and the Mediterranean Biome, spanning 0.6 hectares. The structures are made of hexagonal panels of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a lightweight, recyclable plastic that replaces glass, offering better thermal efficiency and reduced structural weight.

The Rainforest Biome recreates a humid tropical environment with temperatures between 18°C and 35°C and high humidity. It houses thousands of plant species, including fruit trees, orchids, and medicinal plants. The Mediterranean Biome represents temperate climates such as those of California, South Africa, and Chile, featuring plants adapted to dry summers and mild winters. In addition to the main biomes, there are outdoor areas like the Outdoor Garden, showcasing flora from Cornwall and other regions.

The project was conceived by Tim Smit and designed by architect Nicholas Grimshaw. Its purpose is to educate the public about the relationships between plants, climate, and sustainability. The Eden Project receives over one million visitors annually and operates as a research and conservation center. In 2012, it was named the UK's largest regeneration project by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

A curiosity: the biome domes are so large they could cover the Tower of London. ETFE is a self-cleaning and UV-resistant material, reducing maintenance costs. The location in an old clay mine also posed engineering challenges, requiring deep foundations and special drainage systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the temperature inside the tropical biome?

The temperature in the Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project ranges from 18°C to 35°C, with high humidity to simulate a rainforest environment.

How many plant species are there at the Eden Project?

The Eden Project houses thousands of plant species, including about 3,000 species in the tropical biome alone.

How long did it take to build the Eden Project?

Construction of the Eden Project took approximately two and a half years, completing in 2001.