An attentive approach to dealing with the trees, sustainability issues, and the concept of a zero-energy building were important factors in the planning of the Giraffe House. The use of geothermal energy as a renewable resource, conducted through a highly efficient ground water pump, covers 100% of annual heating costs, reducing the primary consumption of non-renewable energy sources. In conjunction with the thermal conservation concept, the building exceeds EnEV 2009 requirements by 50%. In addition, the ETFE-foil roof also ensures solar gains, in particular during transitional periods. Natural ventilation means that no additional cooling is required during summertime. The roofs and sealed surfaces channel all rainwater to the outdoor areas; the commercial zone also features a green roof. The enclosure of this leisure destination was awarded with the Green Product Award in 2015.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Client: Hellabrunn Zoo, Munich
Project: Giraffe Savannah
Services: Architecture and Landscape Architecture (building planning work phases HOAI 1-5, open-space work phases HOAI 1-3, artistic supervision)
Planning-time: 2011 – 2012
Construction period: 2012 – 2013
Overall planning area: 10,000 m2
Building foot print: 656 m2
Gross floor area: 770 m2
Gross volume: 4,760 m2
Construction costs: 4.7 million EUR
