Bio Dome
Complying with the the climatic variations, the structure is studied to support every thermic variations: +70° to 20° Celsius.
Small amphitheaters are displaying the different natural movements of the whole planet.
A functional architecture enables to discover large areas. The concrete structure has a span of about 230 m, with a breadth up to 100 m, and is constituted of pre-stressed concrete arches supporting translucent roofs, with a triple shell, complying with the local climatic conditions. The opaque surfaces will be treated with a lacquered aluminium upon a thermic and acoustical insulating material. On the frontwalls, it will be possible to admire hung coloured glasses.
The huge EFTE-clad structure, known as the Heart of Africa Biodome, will cover 16,000m², making it larger than the Grimshaw-designed Tropical House at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
The scheme is part of the wider £225 million ‘Natural Vision’ redevelopment proposal for the zoo, planned over the next 15 years and overseen by AECOM and Barton Willmore, which is expected to create ‘Europe’s largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction’.
Underneath the undulating, free-form roof structure, the zoo wants to ‘simulate the natural African rainforest habitats of the Congo’ with a jungle canopy and authentic climate.
The biodome is expected to open to visitors in 2014.
PROJECT DATA
Location: Chester Zoo
Type Of Project: Zoological Visitor Attraction
Structural Engineers: AECOM
Project Architect: Gareth Wilkins
Design Team: Stephen Proctor, Andrew Matthews, Stephanie Southward, Constance Leibrock, Benoit Sanson, Kengo Skorick, Arthur Mamou-mani, Steven Davies, Anna Marchant
Client: North of England Zoological Society (NEZS)
Funding: NEZS, North West Regional Development Agency + Sponsorship
Tender date: To be confirmed
Start on site date: To be confirmed
Contract duration: 24 Months
Gross internal floor area: 22,500m²
Form of contract and/or procurement: To be confirmed
Total build cost: £58 million
M&e consultant: AECOM
Quantity surveyor: TTPM
Planning supervisor: TTPM
Lighting consultant: AECOM
Main contractor: To be confirmed
Selected subcontractors and suppliers: To be confirmed
Annual co2 emissions: CEEQUAL Rated
, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates’.
There will also be an ‘interactive water ride’ with views of the animal enclosures and themed-retail and dining facilities.The biodome is expected to open to visitors in 2014.
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The Biodome houses dazzling ecological attractions, with indigenous plants and animals of the Tropical Forest, Polar World and Laurentian Forest.
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