Work is progressing steadily at Chester Zoo's new Heart of Africa zone. Buttress was appointed to support two major projects at the zoo, developing new offers for visitors and guests.
The Heart of Africa work includes an immersive new area that will seamlessly integrate our commitment to meaningful and sustainable design with the new zoo environment. Six years in the planning, the new Heart of Africa area is the zoo's biggest and most ambitious development yet.
Our work on the new zone includes the design of a new education centre, which will deliver a unique space that blends learning, interaction and experience. The education centre will provide flexible and immersive teaching spaces for audiences ranging from school-age children to professionals. The building offers flexible teaching, exhibition and event spaces: panoramic views of the habitats; integrated food and beverage kiosks with seating and shaded canopies; and opportunities for close-up animal interactions.
Initially, only the super-structure will be constructed but subject to securing funding the centre once fitted out will provide a place to learn with a front-row seat to a huge African savannah, home to an array of iconic species including giraffes, zebras, antelope and ostrich, living side-by-side.
To achieve maximum impact for the zoo’s charitable conservation education mission, it was essential to design a building that provides the space and resources to educate and spread conservation awareness across different generations. Our work in the centre also includes designing integrated staff accommodation, providing team members with a quiet rest space.
Chester Zoo is a world-leading conservation and education charity that is committed to creating a future where nature can thrive and survive. The zoo’s site in Chester, which is home to more than 37,000 animals, is where its species-saving work is made possible, thanks in no small part to the millions of visitors it welcomes every year.
Martin Kirkpatrick, Buttress
"By integrating sustainable practices and focusing on conservation, we are connecting guests with nature and wildlife like never before. Our designs not only enhance the zoo’s offering but highlight the importance of the natural world, and we look forward to working with the Chester Zoo team to deliver the plans.”
Martin Kirkpatrick
Martin is an experienced architect who has successfully delivered projects across a broad range of sectors, most recently specialising in hotels, multi-residential, mixed-use, and masterplanning work.
Andy Balmer
Andy is an Associate Architect with fifteen years of experience working across a wide range of sectors, including commercial office, residential and hotels.
James Lewis
James is an experienced Architect with a range of commercial experience including significant workplace and residential schemes.