New entrance building creates a memorable first impression

The brief

At Fordingbridge we’re enormously proud that we’re approached time and again by leading UK attractions to help them enhance their visitor experience.

A prime example of this is our long-standing relationship with Colchester Zoo. Having worked with them on a number of occasions, we were delighted to be approached once again when they were looking to create a impressive new entrance building to their 60-acre site. Their brief was simple yet ambitious. They wanted a building that would create a ‘wow’ first impression, reduce queue times, and create new revenue opportunities to fund vital conservation work.

The response

With sustainability and visitor experience in mind, we worked closely with the Zoo’s owner and in-house architect to create a stunning atrium style entrance building designed to maximise natural light.

Oversized, energy efficient glazing panels to the front and rear elevation of the building, coupled with attractively curved velux roof lights, allow sunlight to stream through the entrance way to create an uplifting first impression. By maximising natural daylight, we have enabled the zoo to stay true to its sustainability commitments, by reducing the need for artificial heat and light in the building.

The almost transparent feel to the huge new admissions centre helps create a striking natural feel which is further enhanced by our signature warm timber frame, and by sunken planters and internal timber cladding throughout.

With visitor experience key to the project, automated gates were installed to allow quicker access for pre-booked guests and annual pass holders. Thanks to the generous proportions of the admissions centre it is now able to house an extensive new gift shop – helping to generate valuable additional revenue for the zoo that is home to over 240 species.

The wow

As a result of working so closely with the zoo’s in-house architect and construction team we were able to design, manufacture and pre-assemble the majority of the structure’s components at our West Sussex site. This enabled us to create minimal onsite disruption and allowed the zoo to stay open throughout this complex and ambitious enhancement project.

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