Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's premier urban outdoor recreation space right next to Mariana Bay Sands,
unveiled a new attraction last month - a cutting-edge horticultural
mega project featuring 18 towering solar-powered "supertrees" and
climate-controlled biomes.
These tree-like structures that
dominate the Gardens' landscape with heights ranging between 25 meters
and 50 meters, are like vertical gardens
that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading
and working as environmental engines for the gardens. The Supertrees are
home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a
vast collection of bromeliads such as Tillandsia, amongst other plants.
They are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the
ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells that harness solar
energy which can be used for some of the functions of the Supertrees,
such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize; and collection of
rainwater for use in irrigation and fountain displays, just like how
trees absorb rainwater for growth. The Supertrees also serve air intake
and exhaust functions as part of the conservatories' cooling systems.
There
is an elevated walkway between two of the larger Supertrees for
visitors to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Gardens. A food and
beverage outlet is planned atop the 50-meter Supertree. At night, the
Supertrees come alive with a light and music show called the OCBC Garden
Rhapsody.
The entire project is estimated to have cost more than $1 billion.
