FREAKS refurbs strasbourg zoo's pedagogical farm with a new visitor center and aviary

for it’s latest project, paris-based architecture firm FREAKS freearchitects has taken on the refurbishment of strasbourg zoo‘s pedagogical farm in the north west of france. occupying a traditional farm in strasbourg’s oldest park, parc de l’orangerie, the old buildings were in need of renewal in order to draw new visitors and to ensure the animals have a safe and comfortable home. 

today, the farm is geared mainly towards children so they can learn about the animals. the farm hosts many different animals including hens, ducks, geese, pheasants, rabbits, pigs, guinea pigs, hamsters, goats, sheep, ponies and donkeys. the brief for FREAKS involved the refurbishment of the existing central stable building and the design of a new aviary and visitor center and multipurpose space.

the new visitor center and multipurpose space has been inserted within the existing timber barn. with its metal cladding and glazed façade, the contemporary intervention offers a stark contrast against the traditional barn. a cantilevered volume creates an new space sheltered from the weather in which to welcome visitors. the central stable has been totally renewed and repainted according to national heritage rules. modular fences extend outside the central stable, creating a home for the goats, donkeys and ponies. furthermore, the chimney supports a huge stork nest, a bird typical of the region. 

to complete the project, a new aviary has been erected at the edge of the site, serving as a landmark to the park beyond. generous in size, the aviary occupies the whole width of the site and reaches 6 meters high. a hen house with a large glass window and archetypal double pitch roof is integrated into the aviary, giving the hens a stylish new home.

project name: pedagogical farm, strasbourg zoo

location: strasbourg, france