A Home Fit For Elephants at the Cophenhagen Zoo

One of the biggest attractions at the <a href="http://uk.zoo.dk/VisitZoo.aspx" target="_blank">Copenhagen Zoo</a> is the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2008/06/18/foster-designs-house-for-his-biggest-clients-ever-elephants/" target="_blank">Elephant House</a> and its group of Indian elephants. The original structure dated back to 1914 and was in serious need of an upgrade for both the elephants and the visitors, so <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/07/the-khan-shatyr-worlds-largest-tent-opens-in-kazakhstan/" target="_blank">Foster and Partners</a> was called upon to complete a new facility for the zoo in 2008. The amazing facility restores the visual relationship between the<a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/15/sustainable-renovation-of-zoo-showcases-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank"> zoo</a> and the park, but more importantly it provides a more stimulating environment for the elephants. The new space is five times larger than the old enclosure and it incorporates natural daylighting and solar passive design.

Completed in 2008, the Elephant House sets new standards for elephants in captivity and provides a place more akin to their natural habitat.

Two main enclosures and and two outdoor pens allow the elephants to socialize more than most zoos. The elephants also get to sleep together.

The enclosures are constructed of pre-cast and stained concrete and IPE wood.

Visitors to the zoo can enjoy seeing the elephants from many angles and don't have to look through unsightly barricades.

The enclosures are covered in a dome made from transparent material that is dappled with leaf designs to filter the sunlight.

Hatches can be raised and lowered to facilitate natural ventilation.

The enclosures provide a safe place for the elephants to sleep and get out of the elements while preserving a strong connection with the rhythm of the sun.

The whole facility is sunken slighting into the earth to minimize its profile in relation to the surrounding landscape.

The sunken buildings also help improve the facility's solar thermal performance.

A wading pool and mud holes give the elephants a place to play an cool off.

Visitors can get very close to the elephants inside the main enclosure.

A layout of the Elephant House.

Elevation

Concept elevation

Early sketches of the Elephant House

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