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Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

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Other Projects by Misho + Associates

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Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

Firm

Misho + Associates

Type

Hospitality + Sport › Zoo/Aquarium

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2006

SIZE

5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft

BUDGET

$50M - 100M

Sydney Wildlife World is a world-class tourist attraction that presents Australian wildlife in nine habitats that closely resemble the natural environment.
The core concept behind the built form was to excite attention and capture the imagination through a dramatic and iconic structure. Its crucial element is a flowing, organically shaped canopy enveloping the entire building. It is created from a skeletal frame covered with a flexible membrane of Zoomesh. The curvilinear effect is enhanced by 35 structural arches and self-supporting parabolic curves.
This unique design meets several functional challenges innovatively. The structure elegantly spans the awkwardly shaped site, partly situated on the water. Drawing inspiration from a python’s body, the roof expands and contracts when required to accommodate 10-20 tall trees within “bumps” in the contour. Below the canopy is the main load-bearing structure built on two concrete slabs, which are overengineered to hold soil 1 metre in depth (permitting tall trees). Internal displays are lightweight and non-load-bearing, allowing them to be easily moved. The project has been made cost-effective by using a standard structural system (slabs, pier and beam) and obviating the need for external walls. The shell heats up and cools down quickly, making climate control cost-effective, while the Zoomesh protects against direct sunlight yet diminishes the need for artificial lighting.
For visitors, the 1-kilometre-enclosed walkway provides 1.5 hours of total immersion in nature without disturbing the animals: the pitch of the glass ensures animals see only their own reflection. The ramped walkway moves up and down to provide interaction with wildlife at varying levels, creating a stimulating experience. Young children can interact with their status since the exhibit glass extends to the floor. Human “perches” allow visitors to rest during the experience. The project integrated the expertise of specialists from Sydney Wildlife World who designed the exhibits, including an innovative multi-species ecosystem.
A key objective was to respond sensitively to the site context. For example, the long facade above the pedestrian area is a structured grid, referencing the grid design typical of Sydney’s wharves. A series of timber slats also evoke the timber used in the industrial areas of the harbour. Outside, angled timber poles evoke the memory of trees that once lined the landscape.
An essential benefit of the project is its contribution to educating the community about conservation. In addition, the experience for visitors is compelling due to their face-to-face experience with animals (many of which are rescued from bushfires and accidents). Exhibits also demonstrate best practice animal husbandry, for example, by providing animals with double the exhibit space required by government guidelines.
The project also delivers benefits to the public domain. Since the Zoomesh is nearly transparent, people outside can see the rainforest inside the facility, creating an unexpected vista of green. In addition, the low-slung structure ensures the building minimises impact on views from CBD buildings.

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Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

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Sydney Wildlife World

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Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team

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Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

Other Projects by Misho + Associates

Sydney Zoo

Huon Valley Box

Lymington House

Crabtree Residence

Iron Creek Bay Farm Stay

Premaydena House

Premaydena Residence

Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team