Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar nation
Western Australia
The Perth Zoo Function Centre is a thoughtful integration of nature, timeless design, and sustainability, creating spaces that foster inclusivity, social interaction, and a deep connection to the surrounding environment. The design uses local materials and open layouts to encourage transparency, blending seamlessly with the Zoo’s landscape and the urban edge. The Function Centre’s dynamic façade, made of rammed earth, and its open courtyards activate public engagement and invite interaction whilst also connecting to the Zoo’s botanical setting, preserving trees and maintaining a sense of openness and natural beauty. This development enhances the Zoo’s food and beverage offerings, creating new commercial opportunities and providing additional amenities, including meeting and function spaces. It enriches the overall visitor experience, complementing Perth Zoo’s commitment to world-class animal conservation, education programs, and creating a lasting, immersive experience for all who visit.
The design team worked incredibly hard to create the new central precinct, interlinking the main lawn and playground with the new Zoo Café. The function centre is engaging with the South Perth landscape and flowing into the Zoo interconnecting the established botanical estate and accommodating the heritage carousel. This result was achieved through an extensive, collaborative briefing process with engagement of all departments within the Zoo management and executive team.
The project has exceeded the brief and created functional, beautiful and fully immersive facilities within the Zoo landscape.Client perspective
James Christou, Project Director / Design Architect
Matthew Le Meur, Project Architect
Dean Heslop, Senior Technician
Zak Mrsa, Senior Technician
Kirsty Griffiths, Interiors
Aaron Reddick, Project Architect
Steven Smyth, Project Architect
Sharon Faraj, Project Architect
Airey Taylor, Structural Engineer
Airey Taylor, Civil Consultant
Full Circle Design Services, Mechanical Consultant
ETC Solutions, Electrical Consultant
Stantec, Hydraulic Consultant
Rider Levett Bucknall, Quantity Surveyor
Gabriels Hearne Farrell, Acoustic Consultant
Taycon Group, Building Surveyor
Full Circle Design Services, ESD Consultant
Strategic Fire Consulting, Fire Safety
Airey Taylor, Geotechnical
Alto Cibum, Kitchen Consultant
Plan E, Landscape Consultant
JCA Project Planning, Programmer
Cardno, Traffic Consultant
MNG, Surveyor
Encycle, Waste Management Consultant
Altura, Height and Safety