Burgers Zoo

The New Mangrove Hall – Bigger and Better

The Burgers Zoo architecture showcases how innovative architecture combines sustainability and user-focused design.

Royal Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands, is dedicated to raising awareness about mangroves. They created the world's largest covered mangrove using Texlon® ETFE systems. Having previously covered the first mangrove hall, built in 1983, this newest upgrade demonstrates the proven benefits of Texlon® ETFE. Over the years, Burgers' Zoo has implemented Texlon® ETFE in several other buildings, including the famous Rainforest, transforming the visitor experience and setting new standards for botanical gardens and zoos worldwide.

The Burgers Zoo architecture sets new standards in efficiency and environmentally friendly construction.

Texlon® ETFE Creating Immersive Spaces
Burgers' Zoo is designed to inspire and engage visitors by recreating natural habitats where flora and fauna coexist. The Texlon® ETFE foils are transparent and UV-permeable, allowing natural light to flood the interior while supporting plant and animal life. This creates an indoor environment with an outdoor feel, giving visitors and animals alike the sensation of being in nature while remaining protected from the elements. Butterflies flutter between visitors, insects roam freely, and animals move naturally – all thanks to the flexibility of the ETFE system.

Recreating Distant Biomes
The Mangrove Dome brings a biome normally found thousands of kilometres away closer to the public. By using Texlon® ETFE, diverse environmental experiences are recreated indoors, providing both educational and immersive encounters for visitors. The lightweight, durable cushions enable the design of open, airy spaces that replicate natural conditions without compromising structural efficiency.

Texlon® ETFE: Smart Solutions for Zoos and Botanical Gardens
The energy-efficient Mangrove Dome, covering 3,000 m², provides a natural habitat for animals and plants. Its unique external structural frame creates a smooth transition between the interior and exterior while presenting a bold, aesthetically pleasing design. The three-layer pneumatic Texlon® ETFE system contains 40 transparent foil cushions, some spanning up to 29 meters, allowing maximum natural sunlight to reach both plants and animals. Moveable ETFE vents regulate airflow and climate while ensuring insects and birds remain safely inside.

Texlon® ETFE also allows high levels of visible and UV-A light to pass through – a single 100 µm layer transmits over 90% of visible light and 80% of UV rays. This natural light not only supports plant growth but also has a bactericidal effect, killing bacteria and enabling animals and plants to thrive as if in their natural environment.

With forward-thinking solutions, the Burgers Zoo's architecture serves as a benchmark for future projects worldwide.