London Zoo’s pair of Sumatran tigers are safely in their new 2,500 sq m home, which opened to the public today, thanks in part to specialist Bristol sub-contractor Base Structures.
The firm was responsible for the detail design and installation of the mesh net surrounding the new enclosure, which is five times the size of the tigers’ previous enclosure.
It features a radical stainless steel net with architectural form supported by a series of masts and state of the art equipment like heated rocks and special dens for rearing cubs.
The 17m high enclosure was conceived by ZSL London Zoo and designed by Wharmby Kozdon Architects working closely with Robin Fitzgerald, project manager at ZSL London Zoo. Dexter Associates, structural engineers, produced the original design.
Dexter developed the idea of using a mesh form, a lightweight structure to reduce the need for large section structural steel framing which would visually dominate the enclosure.
The organic geometry of the footprint also ruled out conventional structures, coupled with the unwritten rule of mirroring nature’s forms where vertical lines and 90 degree angles do not exist. The brief was made even more challenging as the net was not entirely free standing and had to interface with two existing buildings at each end of the enclosure.
Base Structures then applied its tensile architecture and fabric patterning expertise to realise the architectural mesh form.
“This has been a highly collaborative process balancing the desire to create a much larger enclosure, using more contemporary technology to create a better habitat for the Sumatran tiger, while also addressing the challenge of incorporating architectural icons in one of the world’s oldest zoos,” said Mike Kozdon, partner at Wharmby Kozdon Architects. “We’re delighted with the end result.”
Base Structures head of installations Andy Traynor said: “By applying our tensile fabric expertise to mesh enclosure design, we’ve been able to push the boundaries in a way that hasn’t been achieved before.
“The typical square mesh box has evolved into an organic, dynamic form that is more pleasing on the eye and creates a more immersive experience for the visitor with a virtually transparent protective barrier.”
Wharmby Kozdon has worked with ZSL London Zoo on numerous projects, including Penguin Beach, Animal Adventure, Bugs and Komodo Dragons. Base Structures is also a specialist in zoo mesh enclosure design and installation with projects completed in at least six other zoos throughout Europe.
The free forming roof encompasses the tiger’s tall climbing trees and allows the tigers freedom to indulge their natural jumping ability of up to 5M high. The steel mesh connects down to timber and glass allowing visitors to come face to face with the rare and stunning Sumatran tiger.
Founded in 2001, Base Structures is a specialist sub-contractor offering a one stop shop for the design, manufacture and installation of tensile fabric structures.
Operating across Europe, Base has over 50 staff and £5million turnover. Notable client projects include Up at The O2, Heathrow Terminal 5, London 2012 sporting venues, Eden Project and the Mound Stand at Lords Cricket Ground.
