A popular Hampshire zoo has turned to the expertise of East Yorkshire commercial glasshouse specialists CambridgeHOK to 'upcycle and revamp' an old disused facility– making it the perfect 'semi desert' environment for new species and plant displays.
The 24m long glasshouse at Marwell Zoo has not been used since 2018 when it was closed because it was no longer efficient enough from a heat perspective to house tropical species.
Now, it is being brought back into use, with the team from CambridgeHOK cleaning and restoring as much of the original building as possible and replacing glass panels that have become damaged beyond repair,
CambridgeHOK will then install new irrigation and control systems to ensure the perfect temperature and moisture levels can be maintained.
The new exhibit, called 'Thriving Through Nature,' will be home to species that thrive in sub-tropical temperatures, meaning less heat is needed throughout the winter months.
It will include waterfalls and rocks for Rock hyrax - small, rabbit-like animals native to Africa – to enjoy alongside freshwater fish, insects, amphibians, and lizards which will live amongst herbs, palms, and plants.
The aim has been to restore and retain most of the original glasshouse.
Ian Dolman, Operations Manager at CambridgeHOK, said: "This is a unique job for us as, while we are often called upon to design and build many new glasshouses, bringing an old, disused building glasshouse back into use is an entirely different challenge."
"Although this is nothing like the scale of many of the commercial horticultural produce-growing glasshouses that we build, there have been substantial challenges to overcome."
"Firstly, as you can imagine, given it is as glass building which has been stood unused and open to the elements for almost five years, it was not in a great condition when we were first shown around the site, but all agreed the best way forward, taking environmental considerations into account, was to bring it back into use."
"We wanted to retain as much of the original building as possible and make sure that we maximized the value of choosing to refurbish rather than rebuild. That meant we were very careful in terms of retaining existing glazing wherever possible."
"Given it stands at a height of almost seven meters, the roofing glazing panels had to be reached with a special boom lift."
"Thankfully, we have been able to retain many original glazing panels, which have been chemically cleaned and now look as good as new. It has been a great project to be involved in."
Sean Mannie, Commercial Director at Marwell Zoo, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be bringing back to life this wonderful glasshouse, which was, for many years, such a popular and integral part of any visit to Marwell."
"It will look completely different, featuring lots of exciting new species in a brand-new, easy-to-view setting. We know our guests will love it."
CambridgeHOK started on site in November 2022 and is expected to handover in April, ready for the zoo to create the new environment, which will incorporate viewing areas as well as learning opportunities for visitors.
For more information:
CambridgeHOK
Tel.: +44(0)1430 449440
info@cambridgeglasshouse.co.uk
www.cambridgehok.co.uk