Geothermal to heat Ecotourism village created by Disneyland Paris
Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland Paris (source: disneylandparis-news.com/en/pictures/)
Alexander Richter
7 Sep 2017
A new ecotourism destination by Disneyland Paris in France taps into geothermal energy to cover all its heating needs, both for buildings but also bathing all year round.
A new holiday destination has been opened at the gates of Paris and Disneyland Paris. A co-creation of Euro Disney SCA and the Pierre et Vacances Center Parcs Group, Villages Nature (registered trademark) Paris proposes a new destination.
Described as “where the extraordinary is everywhere”, the new park is to blend together nature and architecture to create a unique world, allowing to discover the riches of Paris, the Seine-et-Marne region and Disneyland Paris. Designed by Euro Disney S.C.A. and Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Groups it is Europe’s leading ecotourism destination.
It integrates the application of the most advanced sustainable development standards into its concept and its operation, primarily due to the use of a local source of renewable energy: the deep geothermal energy of the Dogger aquifer of the Ile-de-France region, which will meet 100% of the site’s heating requirements.
This innovative holiday destination is in fact ushering in a new generation of tourism and land use planning projects, combining transport accessibility, proximity to cities and local energy.
The Aqualagon is one of the largest covered aquatic spaces in Europe. Designed by Jacques Ferrier, its origami structure is embellished with glass. The interior space opens onto a lagoon. The Aqualagon won the A+ popular choice award for best architectural project in its category in the 2017 Architizer international architecture competition. Its use of geothermal energy, with water at 30°C, means that the Aqualagon and the outside lagoon can be used for bathing throughout the year.
Jacques Ferrier, architect of the Aqualagon, explains that water is at the basis of the architectural design of the building: ‘Water is everywhere and in all its forms at Villages Nature® Paris. The Aqualagon is the destination’s emblem, celebrating it both inside and out. Water is at the heart of the architectural project. This new landscape is created by mists, water vapours and aquatic plants.’
With cows, goats, ponies and other farmyard animals, the BelleVie Farm provides full immersion in the world of the farm. Its architecture, designed by Lionel de Segonzac, is typical of the farms of the Brie region. Surrounded by high walls and a moat, its huge porch opens onto a courtyard, the ideal place to find out all about farm activities.
‘It’s a unique place to work’ says Clara, manager of the BelleVie grocer’s shop at the heart of the farm. For Nature animator Christophe, the interactive workshops, such as beekeeping, cooking or handicrafts, and work on the farm allow people to refocus on the essential. For example, visitors learn to make their own bread that they can then enjoy in their comfortable, well-equipped accommodation. Nearby, the Les Délices de la Ferme restaurant and tea room, made of precious natural materials, decorated in soothing colours and offering tempting local products, is a sheer delight.
Source: Disneyland Paris
