Projects

ENCLOSURE FOR AFRICAN APES WILHELMA
A NEW HOME FOR GORILLAS AND BONOBOS

The latest insights into the adequate animal housing for apes have had a significant influence on the design of the new enclosure for gorillas and pygmy chimpanzees (known as Bonobos) in the zoological/botanical garden Wilhelma in Stuttgart.
The building with the indoor enclosures extends in an S-shape over a length of 100 meters. The domed roof shells of the solid concrete construction alternate on the outsides of the S-curves, which is the location of the ape enclosure. In order to implement the design concept of the building as a continuation of the hilly landscape, the structure had to be covered with a 50 cm thick layer of soil.

The whole ensemble impresses with its seamless connection of indoor and outdoor enclosures, as well as the successful creation of a close to nature spatial impression via the architectural and construction elements.

HUGO-HÄRING-AWARD 2014
LAUDATIO OF JURY – EXCERPT

The 3,500 m² stainless steel cable mesh of the outside enclosure covers an arc-shaped floor area of approximately 2200 m², which is adapted to the curved shape of the neighbouring indoor enclosure. Supported by 13, up to thirteen-meter high pylons, this results in an irregularly shaped wave-like roofscape which is an intended contrast to the ”ridge” of the indoor enclosure.

Client VERMÖGEN UND BAU BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG, AMT STUTTGART
Architect HASCHER JEHLE ARCHITEKTUR, BERLIN
Location STUTTGART, GERMANY
Completion 2013
Awards
  • STRUCTURAL AWARDS 2014 – FINALIST
  • HUGO HÄRING PRIZE AND HUGO HÄRING PUBLIC PRIZE 2014
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