Vertix Builders, a culture-focused construction company, has announced the completion of yet another highly specialized construction project: the new gorilla habitat at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance needed to replace the existing gorilla habitat, which was beginning to show signs of age and weathering. Vertix worked with Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s team of professionals and the design team from SK Design to figure out a way to spruce up the habitat’s face while maintaining a similar design aesthetic, all while staying within budget.
As part of the process, the Vertix team removed the existing wood timber structure and installed a new foundation and steel frame that added both shade and design features to the habitat. By adding a steel frame there is no longer concern for the effects of weathering. The steel frame also provides a strong anchoring system for the steel netting, which provides an unobstructed view of the gorillas’ habitat.
Another prominent feature of the new habitat is a working wall system. This allows the animal care specialists to do health examinations in a public viewing area that “shows off” the incredible intelligence of the gorillas. The design also included a large interaction/play area outside the habitat for kids to play, jump and crawl on. The interactive structure is similar to the gorillas’ play area within the habitat.
“We feel very humbled to have been selected to perform this work on behalf of the community,” said Ted Laszlo of Vertix Builders. “The gorilla habitat required a new level of creativity and flexibility for the entire team to ensure we came up with the best exhibit experience for visitors and best environment for the gorillas. Unlike a traditional commercial building, habitats are singularly unique, and the designers, contractors, and Zoo staff had to work closely to develop a vision and then execute to bring it to life.”
Vertix previously completed a new penguin exhibit for Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in 2021. Located just inside the main entrance of the Zoo, Pinnacol African Penguin Point provides features that enhance the birds’ well-being and guest experience. It’s more than three times larger than their former home in the now-closed Bird World, and offers design elements that encourage the birds to display their natural charismatic behaviors and improve their well-being. This includes a 10,000-gallon pool for swimming, multiple burrows and nest boxes, and a variety of hardscape and natural substrates that mimic their Cape of Good Hope origins. Guests, meanwhile, benefit from an entirely new and improved experience thanks to underwater viewing areas and ample space to take in daily keeper talks and feedings.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s new gorilla and penguin “homes” are something the entire community can be proud of and personally engage with.
