Case Study Spotlight- The Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo

Looking back: The Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo

It has been over a decade since the completion of the illbruck Gorilla House project at Bristol Zoo. Designed to provide one of Europe’s most immersive viewing experiences for visitors, this landmark development was not just a feat of engineering but also a triumph in wildlife-friendly design.

At the heart of the project were illbruck’s advanced sealing and bonding solutions, ensuring the structure could withstand both environmental elements and the physical demands of its remarkable inhabitants.  In order to do this, a number of  glass and glazing challenges had to be overcome involving the use of illbruck products and on-site advice from the illbruck windows and façades team

The Illbruck System:

The Gorilla House design required a 52mm composite glazing system, consisting of four layers of 12mm toughened glass laminated together. This not only provided superior durability but also maintained unparalleled visibility for visitors, bringing them closer than ever to the animals.

Key products from illbruck played a vital role in ensuring the project’s success:

• TP600 Compriband 600– Used within the steel framework to cushion and support the glass, absorbing any movement or impact.
• SP525 Hybrid Sealant – Applied with extra-long nozzles to secure the glazing while resisting tampering from the gorillas themselves.

Beyond its structural advantages, the illbruck system also contributed to energy efficiency, reducing heating costs while keeping the gorillas warm and dry—an essential consideration for an enclosure exposed to the elements.

Results & Impact

-          The Gorilla House opened in Spring 2014, quickly becoming a major attraction at Bristol Zoo.

-          The project received multiple architecture and design awards, including  the Royal Institute of Chartered Architects (RIBA) prize.

-          The illbruck products ensured durability, weather-tightness, and energy efficiency, reducing heating costs while enhancing animal comfort and visitor experience.

The  Gorilla House at Bristol Zoo Gardens was designed to offer one of the best viewing experiences of gorillas in Europe. This innovative project presented significant glass and glazing challenges, requiring a robust solution to ensure both visitor visibility and structural durability—especially given the need for the gorillas to climb onto the glazed roof.

Illbruck’s products provided the Gorilla House with the right glazing requirements showcasing the strength, versatility, and reliability of illbruck’s solutions in demanding environments.

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