Elephant House Zoo Zürich | Markus Schietsch Architekten

The recently inaugurated Elephant House Zoo Zürich is a testament to innovative design and thoughtful integration within the expansive landscape of the newly revamped Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park.

© Andreas Buschman

One of the most distinctive elements of this architectural marvel is its striking wooden roof, meticulously crafted to seamlessly blend into its natural surroundings. This roof takes the form of a shallow, free-form shell, creating an organic connection with the surrounding forest. It’s more than just a roof; it’s a harmonious extension of the landscape itself. As the sunlight filters through the intricate roof structure, it creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, evoking the feeling of being beneath a lush forest canopy. This interplay results in an ever-changing and enchanting series of lighting atmospheres throughout the day.

Elephant House Zoo Zürich’s Design Concept

The process of creating this remarkable roof involved bending prefabricated triple-layer panels on-site to achieve their unique form, which were then skillfully secured in place. The openings within the massive wooden shell were artfully cut out on-site. The continuously changing facade structure, comprised of lamellas, appears to grow organically up to the roof’s edge, indicating the areas bearing the structural load. This dynamic and fluid design element further emphasizes the deep connection between the architecture and its natural environment.

© Dominique Wehrli

The iconographic shell of the roof, along with the ever-changing facade, work together to envelop the elephant house in an atmospheric envelope that can be best described as a pictographic representation of “Nature-Construction.” This unique architectural concept encapsulates the very essence of the design by forging a seamless symbiosis between the man-made structure and the pristine natural landscape, creating a captivating and harmonious blend of architecture and nature. It’s a testament to the beauty of design that respects and celebrates the environment it’s a part of.

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