The detail behind the scenes 🦍

At ZSL London Zoo, the Gorilla Kingdom refurbishment has moved into a specialist stage, with theming works now underway to create a naturalistic enclosure environment.

Buxton Building Contractors are delivering the refurbishment works, coordinating the main build alongside specialist trades. This stage shows how those elements come together on site.

Working with Alan Bishop Themeworks Ltd, the rockwork process combines a straightforward construction method with skilled hand finishing.

It begins with a formed steel and galvanised mesh framework, fixed back to the structure to create the shape of the enclosure and support the artificial rockwork.

A first render coat follows, using a sand and cement mix reinforced with fibreglass fibres and admixtures to provide strength, durability, and a solid base.

The second coat is applied and worked while still green. At this stage, the surfaces are hand carved to form realistic rock textures, including strata lines, fissures and natural irregularities. This is where the finish is set and consistency across the installation is key.

The final stage involves layered colour washing using masonry paints, building up depth and variation so the rockwork sits naturally within the enclosure.

Buxton has a strong track record of delivering works within live environments at ZSL, where careful planning and coordination are essential. This project continues that approach within a sensitive and highly visible part of the zoo.

Good progress on site, and a solid example of how specialist trades contribute to the overall quality of the finished environment.