Elephant house zoo, Zurich

Covering an area of over 5000 m², the elephant house at the Zurich Zoo is one of the most striking animal enclosures in Europe. Its most distinctive feature is the vaulted, free-standing wooden roof structure, which includes 271 openings designed to admit daylight into the building. Based on a clear guiding principle, the architectural concept ensures that elephants can live and be appreciated in an environment that is as true to nature as possible. 
Artificial light also plays a central role, structuring the space, providing guidance for humans and animals alike and supporting plant growth. At the same time, the lighting system also meets the highest technical standards: It stands up to any playful antics, whether human or animal, shows off the pathways and rocky landscapes, and includes underwater lighting to provide a fascinating insight into the elephants’ bathing behaviour. The Event Lodge is seamlessly integrated into the comprehensive lighting concept.