Both the enclosures are dug into the side of the landscape, which optimizes their solar-thermal performance — the earth’s thermal mass absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night. The new house, constructed of concrete and Ipe wood, also sets new standards for elephants in captivity — the main enclosure allows all the elephants to sleep together as they would in the outdoors, and heated floors help keep them dry and maintain the health of their feet. Landscaping and watering holes were designed to reflect the elephants’ natural habitat, allowing the them to play and interact more freely.
Photo credits: Foster + Partners, Nigel Young and Richard Davies
