lam architects: 'savannah house', rotterdam, the netherlands

savannah house © franken architectural photography

dutch lam architects designed ‘savannah house’, a home for giraffes in rotterdam zoo, the netherlands. it was developed based on the principles of sustainable philosophy called the ‘cradle to cradle’. the philosophy is an ecologically intelligent approach to architecture using and creating materials that will both compliment and restore the environment.

‘savannah house’ is almost entirely self-sufficient and was constructed with recycled materials. the structure is also able to collect 330,000 litres of rainwater each year which will be used for the plants in an adjacent habitat. for heating, wood chips are burnt instead of fossil fuels. ‘cuddle-walls’ (steel elements with low temperature heating inside) are available for the animals for cold days. this giraffe shelter is  made of non-toxic materials and  full of natural lighting and ventilation for the animals’ health.

image © franken architectural photography

image © franken architectural photography© franken architectural photography© franken architectural photography

image © lam architects

image © lam architects

image © lam architects