“The steel picket balustrades served as an element in an external material pallette that integrated the buildings with the surrounding landscape.”
Architect: Cox Architecture
Client: Taronga Zoo Wildlife Retreat
Builder: Taylor
Photographer: Mike Chorley
Location: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman
Work Completed by Active Metal
Steel Balustrades to stairs, Glazed Balustrading to POD’s, Cantilevered Glass Balustrading, Stainless Steel handrails, Timber Handrails, engineering and certification
Overview
The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is a five-star ‘eco-retreat’ attached to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, with it’s very own private native wildlife sanctuary nestled within the zoo. All guests are treated to the ultimate, immersive overnight conservation experience with multiple exclusive guided tours, close-up wildlife encounters, delicious dining opportunities and first-class views of Sydney Harbour. To quote one commentator, “This is ‘roar and snore’ on another level.”
Recently receiving a commendation in the Sustainable Architecture category in NSW Architecture awards, the Wildlife Retreat, designed by Cox Architecture and built by Taylor Constructions, consists of five environmentally sensitive, sustainably designed lodges integrated into the native bushland setting of Bradleys Head. The project aims to become one of Australia’s first 5-star Greenstar Hotel environments, creating an iconic, adventurous and interactive experience involving direct contact between animals and guests.
The accomodation pods encircle and overlook an open and accessible animal exhibit showcasing native Australian species. The built form is fragmented to create a low scale permeable environment with a variety of visual and physical connections. The external material palette and façade expression integrates buildings into the surrounding landscape.
Active Metal’s role in the project was to complete the entire balustrade contract, executing a myriad of designs including steel picket balustrades, glazed balustrades, curved balustrades and stainless steel handrails. A successfully completed iconic project in an awe-inspiring location.
To quote architect Nick Tyrrell, “The built outcome celebrates the principle of strong engagement and interaction between architecture and nature, landscape and native wildlife”.
More links to Balustrade Styles
Read more – Cox Architecture; Taylor
Photographer – Mike Chorley
