The Iconic Greenhouse project resulted from Leeser’s winning proposal in an invited competition for production based greenhouse in Abu Dhabi, UAE.  The greenhouse is sited in the extreme desert climate and challenges the difficult task of housing three separate biomes under one roof.  The internal climates, drastically different than the local conditions, are contained within an ETFE membrane. 

Three separate biomes (Mediterranean, Tropical, and Vernalized) are housed under one undulating roof.  A continuous ramp circling each biome and a central atrium  leading to the roof terrace allows for students and visitors to experience all climates in a single path.

The use of the polymer Ethylene tetraflouroethylene (ETFE) across the enclosure and interior of the building has allowed us to achieve maximum efficiency and minimum cost, while gaining flexibility in form and transparency. 

Currently under construction, the biosphere will open in 2014.