Detroit Zoo Case Study.indd

CASE STUDY
Detroit Zoo, Great Ape Exhibit, Detroit, Michigan
Pinnacle 350 Lean-To With Operable Vertical Vents
Opened in 1928, the Detroit Zoo is the largest paid family
attraction in Michigan with more than 1.3 million visitors
annually. It’s home to more than 2,500 animals of 280 species, and
situated on 125 acres with many naturalistic habitats.
Challenge:
The Detroit Zoo’s Great Ape exhibit had a series of old dome
skylights in dire need of replacement.
Apes are highly sociable animals that thrive
in natural daylight similar to their human
counterparts. The old skylights did not let in
sufficient natural daylight necessary for the
well-being of the Great Apes.
Thermal efficiency was also a major
requirement in the new skylight system.
BEFORE
AFTER
All work had to be conducted during the zoo’s regular hours of
operation, and working times could change due to animal issues.
“Working for the zoo you have to put the animals needs first,”
said Mike Draper, Senior Project Manager, DeMaria Building Co.,
Inc. “Temperature and weather play a huge part because there are
three species of primates that do not all coexist. Some need to be
separated or kept from each other.”
Solution:
Wasco’s Pinnacle 350 Lean-To was chosen for its large span
capability, variable-pitch hinge design, and fast on-site assembly
and installation.
Primates are very curious so visual barriers were placed so the
animals could only see portions of the work area.
The old domes were removed, and new openings were cut in
the pre-cast concrete roof. The new skylights were installed with
awning type vents and casement windows so that food could be
broadcasted to the animals through the roof openings. The glazing
is Lucite “Utran” UV Transmitting Acrylic which allows the UV to
enter the space, to create a healthier atmosphere for the primates.
MADE IN USA
800-388-0293 Fax: 207-216-4562 [email protected] www.wascoskylights.com
Eastern Facility: 85 Spencer Drive, Unit A, Wells, ME 04090 Western Facility: 6645 Echo Avenue, Reno, NV 89506
CASE STUDY
“Wasco’s representative, Randy Sitzler from Abbott K. Schlain
Co., was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Thanks
to everyone for their efforts and most of all for the excellent
communication that was necessary to facilitate and complete
this project in a short period of time to minimize the impact on
the animals. Again, thank you all for a job well done,” said Mike
Draper, Senior Project Manager, DeMaria Building Co., Inc.
Speciations:
Pinnacle 350 Lean-To With Operable Vertical Vents
(4) 5'-3" x 17'-4"
(4) 5'-3" x 29'-4"
Glazing: Lucite “Utran” UV Transmitting Acrylic
Awning type vents and casement windows enabled the food to be broadcast
to the animals through the roof openings.
DeMaria Building Co., Inc.
We have been working hard for 44 years to make our family-owned business a leader in the
construction industry. DeMaria is in the business of building relationships with clients, partners,
and employees. Our methods are rooted in teamwork and collaboration. We believe that the
ultimate key to our corporate success is the advancement of talented employees. With 81% repeat
business, our 44-year-old building company is dedicated to exceeding customer expectations.
Crain’s Detroit Business ranked DeMaria as #12 on their Largest General Contractor list in 2013.
We have also been honored for 11 years as one of Detroit’s 101 Best and Brightest businesses to
work for. DeMaria has been utilizing elements of sustainable design and energy conservation
in our work since 1976, but green initiatives became paramount in the construction industry in
the twenty-first century. We joined the US Green Building Council and have completed several
LEED-certified or LEED-registered projects.
Detroit Office: 3031 W Grand Blvd Ste 624, Detroit, MI 48202 • 313.870.2800
Novi Office: 45500 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374 • 248.348.8710
www.demariabuild.com • [email protected]
MADE IN USA
800-388-0293 Fax: 207-216-4562 [email protected] www.wascoskylights.com
Eastern Facility: 85 Spencer Drive, Unit A, Wells, ME 04090 Western Facility: 6645 Echo Avenue, Reno, NV 89506