Phase 1 of Gorilla Kingdom Complete at ZSL London Zoo 🦍
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
We are pleased to have completed Phase 1 of the refurbishment and extension of Gorilla Kingdom at ZSL London Zoo, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of one of the Zoo’s best-known habitats.
The Phase 1 works have transformed the existing gorilla habitat, creating improved indoor and outdoor spaces designed around animal welfare, habitat quality and the long-term needs of the Zoo, while also enhancing the experience for visitors.
Delivering construction works within a live zoo presents a very different set of challenges to a conventional building site. Throughout the project, our team worked closely with ZSL to carefully manage access, deliveries, noise, vibration and working areas around the day-to-day operation of the Zoo. Early-morning deliveries and carefully planned movements of materials, plant and specialist equipment helped minimise disruption to visitors and animal routines.
The completed Phase 1 works bring together a number of specialist elements.
High-strength stainless-steel webnetting has been installed to create a secure but visually open enclosure, with each cable carefully fixed and tensioned to form the habitat boundary.
Working with Alan Bishop Themeworks Ltd, extensive artificial rockwork was created using formed steel and galvanised mesh frameworks, specialist render and detailed hand carving. Layered colour washes were then applied to create the natural textures, fissures and variations seen throughout the finished habitat.
A new waterfall adds another dimension to the enclosure, introducing movement and sound and helping the various naturalistic elements come together as one environment.
Alongside the construction works, the project has also provided valuable opportunities to deliver social value and introduce young people to the construction industry.
During the project, Gorilla Kingdom hosted a group of young people, including care leavers and Newham residents, for a behind-the-scenes site visit as part of a wider work experience programme. The visit gave them the opportunity to see a live construction project first-hand, meet members of the team and gain a better understanding of the different skills, trades and career opportunities available within the industry.
The scheme was designed by a team led by Pringle Richards Sharratt, with a strong focus on animal welfare, habitat quality and the way visitors experience the enclosure.
Gorilla Kingdom continues Buxton’s long-standing relationship with ZSL London Zoo. Our previous projects at the Zoo include Land of the Lions, together with the penguin enclosure and Terrace Restaurant, giving our team considerable experience of delivering complex construction projects within this unique live environment.
The completion of Phase 1 is the result of close collaboration between ZSL, the design team, our specialist contractors, supply chain and Buxton’s project team.
A challenging and unusual project, and a significant first phase that we are very proud to have delivered. 🦍
