Chester Zoo has appointed Buttress to work on its new premium accommodation and experience offering. The Reserve marks the second phase of our ongoing partnership with the zoo, featuring luxury lodges that offer first-hand animal viewing experiences and a welcome centre. This unique development will allow guests to stay overnight at Chester Zoo for the very first time.
Launching summer of 2025, and aligned with the zoo’s mission to prevent extinction by creating a future where nature can survive and thrive, The Reserve at Chester Zoo provides premium stays and extraordinary animal experiences that protect the wild world by directly funding wildlife regeneration. Every stay will help the world’s wildlife and habitats survive and thrive, as the entire profit from each booking funds the zoo’s world-leading conservation activity.
The Reserve
Guests will be transported to the African savannah from 51 contemporary lodges – crafted from natural, sustainable materials, with décor and colour palettes inspired by nature. Inspiration for the lodges is taken from the landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, with its colours, tones, and materials used throughout. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and blend the lodges into the surrounding landscape.
Welcome lodge and restaurant
The development includes a welcome building featuring a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the central lake, and a first-floor bar offering panoramic views of the giraffe habitat. The welcome centre serves as the first point of contact for all overnight guests, setting the tone for their immersive journey.
Martin Kirkpatrick, Buttress director, said:
"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.”
Katharine Mainprize, Director of Marketing at Chester Zoo said:
“Together with Buttress, we’re looking forward to this new journey of architecture as we launch The Reserve. Through this partnership, we aim to enrich each guest’s journey with considered, personal touches, connecting them to our unique wildlife conservation stories, whilst they make their own.”
Work is progressing on Chester Zoo's new Heart of Africa zone
Immersive design connecting visitors to the zoo environment.
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.