Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

This feature is for industry professionals.  To unlock it, signup and then join or add your company. To unlock this feature,  signup and then submit your professional details.

Membership is Free.

LinkedIn Facebook Google
or
Already a Member? Sign in.
Add To Collection Add to Collection
Sydney Wildlife World  

Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection
View Original View Original
Add To Collection Add to Collection

Other Projects by Misho + Associates

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Sydney Zoo

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Huon Valley Box

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Lymington House

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Crabtree Residence

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Iron Creek Bay Farm Stay

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Premaydena House

Add To Collection Add to Collection

Premaydena Residence

Sydney Wildlife World

Sydney, Australia

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.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Team