Glass Bubble

This surreal glass dome resides in Malmö, Sweden overlooking the exposed harbour.  It was designed by Monika Gora and installed in 2006. The term given to this unique shape is 'soft spherical' and the location and space available determined the size and shape of this structure. 

'The only thing that seperates the inside from the outside is a partition wall made of thin glass.  The function of the glass is like a membrane.  The inside becomes a bubble filled with warmth and life.  Full of light and space, protected and quiet.' claims Gora.  The structure lets in the maximum amount of light because it is made of flat crystal clear low-iron glass.

The inside of the conservatory has a climate similar to the Mediterranean and the structure houses tree ferns, camellias, citrus and magnolia trees.  The floor consists of Norwegian slate (Otta Högseter) which alters from different shades of rust orange to green black due to iron content.  The same pavers spill out onto the courtyard outside the glass bubble.  The buildings on either side of this glass bubble are very angular residential properties which creates a very striking contrast for this unique shape.  

Mur Végétal

Vertical walls were introduced by Patrick Blanc, a French botanist, about 30 years ago. It's a living wall containing a cold frame, waterproof panels, an automatic irrigation system, lights, plants and other special materials.

A local Vancouver company is building and installing these systems. greenovergrey.com

They describe the system briefly :

" The frame is built in front of a non existing wall and attached at various points; there is no damage done to the building. Waterproof panels are mounted to the frame; these are rigid and provide structural support. There is a layer of air between the building and the panels which allows the building to 'breath'. This adds beneficial insulating properties and acts like rain screening to protect the building envelope. "

These walls have built in irrigation systems and are grown in a soil less medium. There is also material that is used to distribute water and food to the plants and air purification device. I would love to know what these mysterious materials are. The companies that provide this service keep the materials on the low down. It's definitely a whimsical and artistic use of plants.

Flora and Fauna is working on a few prototypes.  Stay posted to see what we have in store!