Belgian zoo and botanical park Pairi Daiza, located in Brugelette in the Walloon region of Belgium, has expanded with Edenya, a new ecologically designed tropical world featuring waterfalls, rivers, exotic animals, and rare plants. Guinness World Records has officially recognised Edenya as the largest tropical greenhouse in the world. For Deforche Construction Group, based in Izegem, Belgium, which built the structure, the recognition confirms the company's technical expertise. "We have completed many complex projects, but Edenya truly captures the imagination. This is our new calling card," says CEO Jeroen De Cock.
Since its opening in February, the new complex has attracted significant public attention and quickly became a major visitor draw. In terms of scale, technical complexity, and ambition, Edenya is an exceptional project. Its construction required an approach that combined techniques from both greenhouse building and stadium construction. "We had to take many aspects into account: the architectural vision, visitor comfort, the welfare of animals and plants, and at the same time the sustainability and safety of the whole structure," says De Cock.
© Deforche Construction Group
CEO Jeroen De Cock and project manager Stijn Cappon in the special greenhouse. Take a walk through the greenhouse via this photo report from sister site BPnieuws.
Technical tour de force
The roof structure consists of large prefabricated modules, assembled at ground level and hoisted to a height of approximately 20 metres within a short timeframe. The glazing was developed specifically for this project, providing insulation while regulating sunlight and UV radiation. "Normally we build greenhouses for cultivation or botanical applications, but here we had to create a living environment in which different ecosystems come together. Every detail has to be right. On top of that, the safety standards are higher, the technical requirements are stricter, and the climate control demands a completely different approach," says the CEO.
© Deforche Construction Group
Pairi Daiza has designed Edenya as a sustainable tropical biotope. A central climate management system continuously monitors temperature and humidity, allowing the indoor climate to be adjusted automatically in response to outdoor conditions. "That combination of technology and architecture makes the greenhouse not only a visitor attraction but also a technical reference project at a global level," says De Cock.
© Deforche Construction Group
International showcase
Edenya has received international recognition, and the Guinness World Records title as the world's largest greenhouse marks a significant milestone for Deforche Construction Group. The company has been realising innovative structures in glass, steel, and aluminium for many years, both in Belgium and internationally, but Edenya stands out as a landmark project. "Not many companies have the expertise to build a structure of this scale and complexity. The official world record recognition confirms the knowledge and capabilities we have in-house."
© Deforche Construction Group
The company expects the recognition to open new doors. "A title like this captures the imagination. It builds confidence among architects, clients, and partners, both within and outside Europe. We are extremely proud of what has been achieved here, and with Edenya we are demonstrating that Belgian expertise can make a difference on a global scale," De Cock concludes.
For more information:
Deforche Construction Group
[email protected]
www.deforcheconstructiongroup.com
Pairi Daiza
https://www.pairidaiza.eu/nl/
