Carfax wins 2012 NSW MBA Excellence in Construction Award
Category: Best Use of Timber
Project: Western Circulation Link, Taronga Zoo
Carfax were proud winners at the MBA Awards night held on 3rd November 2012.
The Western Circulation Link project is a unique 300m long timber walkway that provides the link for visitors to stroll from the Chimpanzee Sanctuary down to the African Walkthrough exhibit.
Previously inaccessible to the public, visitors can now walk comfortably between the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Snow Leopard exhibit on a combination of raised timber boardwalks and salt-etched concrete paths. The walkway allows clear views of the Barbary Sheep and the Himalayan Mountain Tahrs on their rock mountain.
Up to 3m high in some places, Zoo patrons pass through tree-tops as they descend through a series of transitional zones offering a choice of either direct stair access or accessible ramps.
This project also incorporated the refurbishment of a dilapidated heritage-listed hut through which the walkway now passes and the “re-thatching” of the existing African hut at the entrance to the new Western Link. Visitors can enjoy framed views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from both these vantage points.
This project was completed in some of the steepest and most difficult terrain at Taronga Zoo. Carfax encountered many challenges during construction, including working adjacent to occupied exhibits and public areas, restricted access to the site and complex materials handling logistics.
The end result is a stunning accessible walkway that incorporates striking Australian Hardwoods, decorative “salt washed” concrete paths, stairs and ramps, restored Heritage Pavilions all completed to the highest quality workmanship.
This project provides an impressive structure to an iconic Sydney Attraction.
To read more about this project, please click here.