Auckland Zoo’s Swamp Forest dome (“Tomidome”) uses a transparent ETFE roof to bring daylight, light weight and habitat performance to a tropical environment in the zoo
Swamp Forest – Auckland Zoo
Located within Auckland Zoo in New Zealand, the Swamp Forest dome provides a climate-controlled habitat designed to replicate the warm, humid environment of Southeast Asian swamps. At its core is a large transparent ETFE roof-dome system which enables natural light, supports vegetation and accommodates the ecosystem needs of the animals beneath it.
Project Overview
New Zealand
Country
600
m²
of ETFE
2021
Completed
Studio Hansen Roberts, Ignite Architects
Architects
At a Glance – ETFE at Swamp Forest, Auckland Zoo
- Transparent ETFE dome covering a large habitat volume, enabling natural light and UV transmission.
- High-performing ETFE cushions designed to support vegetation and animals in a warm, humid setting.
- Lightweight roofing system that reduced structural steel and increased internal openness.
- Engineered for tropical climate simulation in New Zealand’s environment.
- Delivered by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific in collaboration with architects and zoo specialists.
600 m²
of ETFE
Nature – Light – Control
The dome is framed on a curved structural ring-beam and covered with multiple ETFE cushions, allowing high transmission of visible and UV light so both plants and animals thrive. The material’s lightweight nature meant the supporting structure could be kept lean, allowing more open internal volume and fewer obstructing supports.
The ETFE dome enables a vivid, immersive visitor experience while ensuring environmental and habitat control behind the scenes.
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Angus Macleod
Technical Director | Australia & New Zealand
Performance Suited to Habitat Needs
Nicely illuminated ETFE cushions
In the humid, controlled environment required for species such as the Sunda gharial crocodile and aquatic fauna, the ETFE roof acts almost like a transparent “blanket” – admitting daylight, managing heat gain and enabling the habitat’s systems to maintain a consistent tropical climate year-round.
The system also supports long-term durability and low maintenance in New Zealand’s varied climate.
Visual Journey
One of our skilled rope access technicians at work.
The dome is framed on a curved structural ring-beam and covered with multiple ETFE cushions.
The "Tomidome" is a transparent ETFE dome covering a large habitat volume, enabling natural light and UV transmission.
Click on the pictures to see the full size
Collaborative Design and Delivery
From early feasibility through to fabrication and installation, the project was delivered by Vector Foiltec Asia Pacific together with the zoo, architects and structural engineers. The ETFE system was specifically engineered to interface with the curved structural geometry, ensuring precise fit-up, efficient erection and reliable performance for one of the zoo’s flagship habitats.
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