Savannah House

This sustainable (Cradle to Cradle) accommodation for giraffes is designed as a "shelter", based on the archetype of the African corral. It provides a comfortable place for the animals and also gives them more living space and less stress. This due to the specific shape of the building and because they are free to go in and out as the please.

To create a sustainable building with a good indoor climate, the design takes into account the natural elements: sun, wind and rain as well as the choice for suitable materials. natural light and heat, are provided by the sun (passive solar energy). The roof is transparent and the height of the facades is determined for the best solar potential. Inside but also outside, so that even on a beautiful sunny autumn or winter day, the animals are able to stand outside in the sun, at the north side of the building.

On cold and cloudy days it is sufficient to heat only the animals, instead of the whole 4600m3 residence, due trough the so-called "body- heating-elements”. The required for these elements comes from burning woodchips in stead of fossil fuels. Natural ventilation also contributes to the pleasant atmosphere, because the building is oriented at the most common wind directions.

The annually rainfall of approximately 330.000 litres, on the roof will be collected and used for exhibits in the adjacent building. Visitors get an exceptional experience: from the three meter raised platform they can look the giraffes in their eyes.

Ontwerpteam:

Robert van Herk - Bob Kniese - Menno Lam - Jaquess Radder - Gerard Visser

Projectgegevens:

Lees hier de project & duurzaamheids gegevens.

Publications:

Sprout

Het Houtblad (Augustus 2008, nr 5 p. 28-33)

Bouwwereld (September 2008, nr 12 p. 6-8)

Architecten Web Magazine (maart 2009, nr 24 p. 52-55)  

CradletoCradle.nl  

Photo's: