Ocean Park – A Returning Customer

Ocean Park in Hong Kong has demonstrated a strong commitment to innovative architectural solutions by repeatedly choosing Vector Foiltec’s Texlon® ETFE roofing systems for multiple projects. 

This project, the Koala House, opened in 2015. Ocean Park has transformed the Texlon® ETFE-covered area into the “Sloth and Friends Studio”. This animal exhibit is located in Aqua City. It features two adorable slow-moving sloths and other species, including macaws, kinkajous, and ball pythons. 

Benefits of Using Texlon® ETFE

If you cover your animal’s exhibits with Texlon® ETFE, several benefits and standout features could be expected:

  • Natural Light and UV Transmission: Texlon® ETFE allows over 90% of visible light and 80% of UV-A rays to pass through, which benefits both plant growth and the well-being of animals like sloths that thrive in natural sunlight conditions. This would help simulate a more natural environment, promoting normal activity patterns and potentially reducing animal stress.
  • Temperature and Humidity Control: ETFE’s insulation properties help maintain stable temperatures, which is crucial for some animals, e.g. sloths that require constant warm temperatures and high humidity levels of 60–80%.
  • Eco-Efficiency: Its durability and resistance to UV degradation also mean lower long-term operational costs.

Natural Environment

Overall, using a Texlon® ETFE roof for a sloth exhibit benefits the animals by providing a more natural and suitable living environment, and also enhances the visitor experience.

Ocean Park’s ETFE History

The park first utilized this technology in 2008 for the Panda House, creating a controlled environment that mimics natural hills and provides ideal conditions for both pandas and vegetation. Building on this success, Ocean Park once again turned to Vector Foiltec for its Water World expansion in 2021, incorporating a 3,000 m² Texlon® ETFE roof system that offers a comfortable atmosphere, natural light, and thermal performance while withstanding challenging typhoon wind loads. This repeated selection of Texlon® ETFE roofing solutions showcases Ocean Park’s satisfaction with the product’s durability, versatility, and ability to create unique, environmentally friendly spaces that enhance visitor experiences.

Information

Date 2014
Location Hong Kong, China
Sector Zoo
Size 134 m²
Structure Steel
Type Roof
Architects AEDAS and Leigh & Orange

Expert Contact

Matthew Penrose
Executive Vice President Asia Pacific

HK-Ocean-park-Koala-House-Vector-Foiltec-Texlon-ETFE-outside-1042
inside: View on the Texlon ETFE roof for Panda House at Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Images Copyright: Vector Foiltec

More projects ///