Tropical House, Marwell Zoo, UK.

The Tropical House at Marwell Zoo will be the beacon of the new masterplan for 2018 and will see the wildlife park well vested for future development/ expansion. The high tech facility will propel the Zoo to the forefront in zoological research.

DDA Engineers have undertaken the structural design and engineering of the project including the expressive structural steelwork and ETFE roof, reinforced concrete works, foundations, masonry and below ground drainage.

Under the snaking ETFE roof is the main exhibit of the rainforest, covering approximately 1073sqm, supporting this is the 115sqm of back of house and 126sqm of plant area. The ETFE envelope is formed through arched steels bearing onto a concrete spine wall. ETFE is 100 per cent recyclable and allows natural UV light to shine through to feed the living laboratory.

This unique rainforest will gift visitors the opportunity to see and experience the housed animals in an environment similar to their natural habitat. The exhibit will become home to animals including crocodile monitor lizard, a Linné's two-toed sloth, Java chevrotain, and pygmy marmosets on their own primate island. There will also be free-flying birds and butterflies, Roti Island snake-necked turtles and more than 1,000 fish in the aquarium.

Spanning two levels with fantastic vantage points across a lush canopy, with a cascading waterfall and a bustling forest floor below, guests will become more connected with a diversity of extraordinary wildlife than ever before. Nature lovers will experience uninterrupted face-to-face encounters with animals.