Editing Eden Project (section)

=== Biomes ===
At the bottom of the pit are two covered [[biome]]s:

The Rainforest Biome, covers {{convert|1.56|ha|acre|1|abbr=on}} and measures {{convert|55|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|100|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|200|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} long. It is used for tropical plants, such as fruiting [[banana]] plants, [[coffee]], rubber, and giant [[bamboo]], and is kept at a tropical temperature and moisture level.
[[File:The Tropical Biome.jpg|thumb|The Rainforest Biome]]

The [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]] Biome covers {{convert|0.654|ha|acre|1|abbr=on}} and measures {{convert|35|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|65|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|135|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} long. It houses familiar warm [[temperate]] and [[arid]] plants such as [[olive]]s and grape [[vine]]s and various sculptures.

The Outdoor Gardens represent the temperate regions of the world with plants such as [[tea]], [[lavender]], [[hops]], [[hemp]], and [[sunflower]]s, as well as local plant species.

The covered biomes are constructed from a tubular steel (hex-tri-hex) with mostly hexagonal external cladding panels made from the thermoplastic [[ETFE]]. Glass was avoided due to its weight and potential dangers. The cladding panels themselves are created from several layers of thin [[ultraviolet|UV]]-transparent ETFE [[tensile structure|film]], which are sealed around their [[perimeter]] and inflated to create a large cushion. The resulting cushion acts as a thermal blanket to the structure. The ETFE material is resistant to most stains, which simply wash off in the rain. If required, cleaning can be performed by [[abseil]]ers. Although the ETFE is susceptible to punctures, these can be easily fixed with ETFE tape. The structure is completely self-supporting, with no internal supports, and takes the form of a [[geodesic dome|geodesic]] structure. The panels vary in size up to {{convert|9|m|ft|1|abbr=on}} across, with the largest at the top of the structure.

The ETFE technology was supplied and installed by the firm [[Vector Foiltec]], which is also responsible for ongoing maintenance of the cladding. The steel spaceframe and cladding package (with Vector Foiltec as ETFE subcontractor) was designed, supplied and installed by MERO (UK) PLC, who also jointly developed the overall scheme geometry with the architect, Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners.

The entire build project was managed by McAlpine Joint Venture.
<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Eden Project Winter 2008 showing Bruce Munro field of Light.JPG|The Biomes and Link building showing [[Field of Light]] installation by [[Bruce Munro]]
File:Eden Project - tropical canopy.jpg|Inside the Rainforest Biome
File:The Eden Project, Cornwall.JPG|The Biomes (or eco domes) at The Eden Project in Cornwall
File:EdenProjectRoof.jpg|The hexagonal structure looking from the inside
File:Eden Project from air Fossick.jpg|Aerial View
</gallery>