Life is Wild - Elephant Nursery in zimbabwe

When I was approached to consult and design an elephant nursery in Zimbabwe, I knew this project would be unlike any other. The goal was clear: to create a protective, sustainable, and adaptable shelter for young elephants, integrating tensile fabric and local materials to provide a lightweight yet durable solution.

The nursery had to serve multiple functions—offering shade, ventilation, and protection, all while maintaining a non-intrusive presence in the landscape. Given my experience with tensile structures, I designed a lightweight stretched fabric canopy supported by minimal anchoring points, ensuring a large open space for movement and care. The design followed the natural curves of the landscape, blending the nursery with its surroundings rather than imposing on it.

The structure was divided into two main areas:

• A night boma, a secure space where the elephants could rest safely.
• A day boma, an open yet shaded area allowing interaction and care.

The key challenge was ensuring that the tensile fabric could withstand the dynamic environment, from intense sun exposure to the occasional storm. Working closely with local builders and conservationists, we adapted reinforced brick enclosures at the base for durability, while the fabric above created an airy, breathable atmosphere.

This project reinforced the importance of understanding the site and working with local expertise. Collaborating with conservationists, veterinarians, and local craftsmen ensured that the design was not just a conceptual exercise but a real, functioning space tailored to its users—both human and elephant.

For me, this project was a bridge between wildlife conservation and architectural innovation, proving how tensile structures can be part of a sustainable future in wildlife rehabilitation.