Wellington Zoo habitat upgrades

We returned to Wellington Zoo to update two habitats, the chimpanzee dayroom and the penguin habitat.

The new enrichment structures we built in the chimpanzee dayroom needed to be carefully engineered to withstand the chimps’ incredible strength. We were invited into the project development workshop to review the concept design, allowing us to contribute to buildability discussions and help to shape the concept into a practical, executable solution.

Our in-house BIM team further developed the existing 3D concept model with guidance from our Structural Engineer, streamlining the design process. With a buildable design and proactive engagement with our timber suppliers to secure the long lead items, we were able to start on site within four weeks.

Starting with just a couple of concept images, we delivered the project on time and within budget, aligning with the client’s resolution-focused ethos to minimise the administrative workload in this smaller, rapid project.

Our scope in the penguin habitat involved the construction of a viewing platform, new water features in the saltwater pool, an observation hut and landscaping. It started with a few sketches and many unknowns but did not require the same level of precise detailing and engineering as the chimp dayroom. Our skilled carpentry team took the challenges in their stride, staying in close contact with the client and devising bespoke solutions to deliver the upgraded habitat.