In March 2006, Built Environs completed the $3.3 million Adelaide Zoo South-East Asian Rainforest project, developing a themed tiger and orang-utan viewing and husbandry area for the Adelaide Zoo in South Australia.

The project delivered two tiger exhibits, an orang-utan exhibit, a holding building, a food preparation and husbandry area, and a Sumatran longhouse with an underwater viewing area for the tiger pool.

Safety concerns for both animals and the public led to close attention being paid to the placement, strength and texture of the structural and finishing materials.

The 9 m-high Sumatran longhouse was constructed from steel and clad in bamboo and ironbark timber. To alleviate safety and other site concerns, the 9.6 t roof was constructed on the ground and then lifted into place.

As well as the project being undertaken within a busy high profile operating environment, access to the site was restricted to a single narrow laneway, posing distinct logistical issues.

The project received both a national and state Australian Institute of Building Award for Professional Excellence, and a Master Builders Association state Commendation.

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