Cape Reed’s Biggest European Project to Date
Some projects are measured in square metres. Others are measured in what they mean.
Pairi Daiza’s Edenya — the world’s largest tropical greenhouse, located in Belgium — is both. When the doors officially opened in February 2025, Cape Reed International was proud to have played a defining role in bringing this extraordinary living ecosystem to life.
The Scale of the Project
This was commercial thatching at a level we had never delivered before in Europe.
- 2,300m² of precision-installed thatched roofing
- 150,000 bundles of sustainably sourced natural Cape Reed thatch
- Ten 40-foot shipping containers transported from South Africa to Belgium
- Installed within a climate-controlled 4-hectare glass canopy structure
Every bundle was selected, prepared, and shipped with the same care our team brings to every project — from a bespoke residential lapa in the Cape to a luxury lodge in the Middle East. At Edenya, that standard simply had to perform at an entirely different scale.
Where Nature Meets Engineering
Edenya isn’t a greenhouse in the conventional sense. It’s a living ecosystem designed to shelter tropical flora and fauna beneath a glass canopy built with custom glazing that insulates up to five times better than standard greenhouse systems. A smart hybrid ventilation system, misting infrastructure, and heat pumps maintain a stable minimum temperature of 18°C year-round — creating the conditions for a true tropical interior in the heart of Europe.
Our thatched roofing wasn’t decorative. It was functional. Natural Cape Reed thatch contributes meaningfully to insulation, acoustic comfort, and the authentic atmosphere that sets Edenya apart from any other structure on the continent. In an environment engineered to feel alive, natural materials weren’t a compromise — they were the point.
Craftsmanship Across Continents
Getting 150,000 bundles of thatch from Cape Town to Belgium on time, at quality, and ready for installation in a high-spec commercial environment required more than logistics. It required trust — in our sourcing partners, our production team, our shipping process, and the skilled hands that installed every bundle on site.
This is what Cape Reed has spent decades building the capability to do. We exist at the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and engineered project delivery. Edenya is the clearest demonstration yet of what that means in practice.
A Milestone for Cape Reed
Pairi Daiza – Edenya is Cape Reed International’s largest commercial project in Europe. It is a project we are immensely proud of — not only for the scale it represents, but for the standard it sets.
From South Africa to Belgium. From natural material to architectural statement. This is commercial thatching done the Cape Reed way.
Building with nature. Delivering at scale.
Project at a Glance
| Location | Pairi Daiza, Belgium |
| Project Type | Commercial — Tropical Greenhouse |
| Scope | Supply & Installation |
| Roofing Area | 2,300m² |
| Material | Natural Cape Reed Thatch |
| Volume | 150,000 bundles / 10 × 40ft containers |
| Opened | February 2025 |
FAQ’s
What type of thatch was used at Pairi Daiza’s Edenya?
All thatching material supplied for the Edenya project was natural Cape Reed — sustainably sourced and prepared in South Africa. Cape Reed is prized for its density, durability, and insulating properties, making it well suited to demanding environments like a large-scale climate-controlled greenhouse.
Can natural thatching perform in a European climate?
Yes. When correctly specified and installed, natural Cape Reed thatch performs excellently in European conditions. At Edenya, it was installed within a controlled greenhouse environment, where its natural insulating properties actively contributed to maintaining the stable tropical climate the structure requires.
Does Cape Reed International handle large-scale commercial projects?
Pairi Daiza – Edenya is our largest European commercial project to date, but large-scale supply and installation is a core part of what we do. We work across hospitality, tourism, botanical, and public space projects globally — combining traditional craftsmanship with the project management systems that commercial-scale work demands.
About Cape Reed Team
Our expert team at Cape Reed Spain brings decades of experience in sustainable thatching and premium outdoor living solutions.
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