PROFILE
double-glazed , glass roof panels allow sunlight to provide energy for the established vegetation , but a low emissions coating has been applied , in addition to a fabric , sensor-operated sail which provides plants with vital shade . Both dome roofs capture rainwater which is utilised for irrigation purposes .
To ensure these two self-sufficient structures are able to maintain differing climates consistently , architects and designers had to incorporate two opposing aims . Whilst Flower Dome is designed to contain vegetation originating from semi-arid subtropical regions , Cloud Forest adopts a cool , moist climate , with humidity around 80-90 percent , supporting a 35-metretall mountain of plants typically grown 2,000 metres above sea level . Chilled water pipes are installed within the floor spaces to cool air at the lower levels , whilst warmer air becomes expelled through thermal stratification , with a combination of cooling technologies resulting in at least 30 percent savings . One of the key technologies involves the use of horticultural waste as biomass .
Manmade Supertrees within the gardens are aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sustainable . The imposing , 25 to 50-metre-high structures contain approximately 160,000 plants , with 11 out of 18 Supertrees containing environmentally sustainable features , such as inbuilt tanks which lead directly into the cooling of the domes . Seven Supertrees have photovoltaic cells on their canopies to harvest solar energy , whilst three serve as air exhaust receptacles and one is a flue for the co-gen system .
In addition to the vivid designs , visitors are able to view the gardens from 22 metres above ground via an aerial walkway between two Supertrees , incorporating light , colour and sound shows as a result of implanted photovoltaic cells within seven Supertrees which provide solar energy , showcased in an evening show called Garden Rhapsody , “ creating a rich fusion of nature , technology and environmental management ,” as said by Grant Associates . All developments complement one another to maintain sustainability and balance “ becoming a seamless part of the cityscape , even as the city continues to progress and develop ”,
10 November 2016