Houston Zoo: Texas Wetlands in the Heart of the Zoo

The Houston Zoo's reimagined central zone, complete with a new wetland exhibit to celebrate and inspire local wildlife conservation, is supported by nature-based, sustainable water infrastructure.

In an effort to connect communities with wildlife to inspire conservation action, the Houston Zoo created a 20-year master plan to reconfigure its campus into experiential zones that highlight wildlife and ecosystems found in Texas and around the world. The plan, developed by Studio Hanson Roberts, charted the course for creating a more immersive and impactful experience for zoo guests, and optimal living environments and support areas for zoo animals and staff.

The first phase of the master plan to be executed was the reimagining of four areas of the zoo, including its central hub, the “Heart of the Zoo.” Within the Heart of the Zoo, the plan called for the transformation of an aging duck pond into a more ecologically-relevant Texas Wetland exhibit. The Texas Wetland engages visitors in the Zoo’s breeding, monitoring, rehabilitation, and release programs with local species of birds, reptiles, bats, and pollinators.

As part of a design team led by Studio Hanson Roberts, Lake Flato, and TJP Engineering, Biohabitats designed a wetlands biological filtration strategy that integrates extensive native plants in both “live edge” and “passive edge” treatment wetlands directly into and as a feature element of the Texas Wetlands exhibit. The systems improve water quality and absorb stormwater from the surrounding areas of the Zoo while also minimizing the burden on the traditional, mechanical systems maintaining water quality. The project embraces opportunities for Zoo guests to experience and learn about the natural ecosystems that help protect both habitat for wild animals, and vital water resources in the region. Biohabitats also supervised construction of the wetlands.

TAGS

• Design
• Resilient Water Systems