An impressive photovoltaic garden with 250 acres is a contrasting part of the landscape in an Asian country. Between the concrete and other structures, the man-made mechanical forest is composed of 18 supertrees that are not only a giant vertical garden, but a structure capable of generating energy through photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into energy. In addition, the structures also operate as temperature moderators, absorbing and dispersing heat and providing some fresh air for the visitors, who can enjoy a modern garden with flowers and trees from all around the globe.
The first photovoltaic garden in history is capable of generating 67,000 kWh
Taking a look at the project in a bay, visitors of this Asian country are impressed by 18 gigastructures simulating trees. The supertrees, whose height varies between 25 and 50 meters, are part of a landscaping project that goes beyond the visual and aims to return benefits to the city related to clean energy, environmental protection, and cultural heritage.
The project is the first photovoltaic garden in history, and is situated at the Marina Bay area on Singapore’s south side. Named Gardens by the Bay, the expectation is to offer an eco-tourist destination showcasing sustainable practices and plants from different countries around the world.
Besides the visual aspect, the garden also has a practical use and aims to improve access to clean energy. Between the supertrees, 11 structures are capable of generating energy through solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into energy, achieving 67,000 kWh.
The functionality goes beyond the energy: The garden is also a flora conservatory
According to the project organizers, the garden may become an eco-tourist destination once it provides an immersive experience for the visitors. It will also be capable of “bringing the world plants to all Singaporeans,” as said by Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister of the Republic of Singapore.
In addition to the trees, the project has two green conservatories: the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, whose shape is inspired by an orchid flower. Those biomes are four football fields in size and will receive 220,000 plants from around the globe. The visit is part of the area where an admission fee is required: USD$ 22 for visitors from other countries, or USD$ 16 for Singapore residents.
The project with biomes and supertrees is only a part of the landscaping development applied to Marina Bay. Designed by UK landscape architects Grant Associates, which won an international design competition, the space will also be responsible for honoring the ethnic heritage of the country.
Biomes inside the garden are self-sustaining with clean energy
Another curiosity about this project is related to clean energy. The Flower Dome, one of the highlights of the project, is sustained by a massive steam turbine fed by horticultural waste. This turbine generates energy on-site to maintain the cool temperatures of the biome.
Other structures use energy from the supertrees, once they are fitted with solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into energy, providing the necessary energy to keep the domes climatized. Like Singapore, other locations are also using the tree-shaped structures to provide clean energy.
A new multimillion-dollar landscape
This new multimillion-dollar landscape will stand among the urban environment of Marina Bay, changing forever the way it is seen by the world. It is part of the government’s plan to transform Singapore into a city located inside a self-sustained garden. To achieve this goal, the government is certainly searching for one of the most prominent technologies that we currently have, but with the development of new energy resources, the photovoltaic structures may be overcome soon, and this could be a better option that may also be adaptable for a garden.