Whipsnade Zoo
Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable, famous for being the first “open zoo” in Europe, recently underwent a significant transformation to its visitor entrance. As part of a major refurbishment project, the entrance was redesigned to house a new gift shop, café, and ticket office all under one roof. To deliver this 21st century upgrade, Kestrel Aluminium Systems and HTL Windows and Doors collaborated to create an inviting, high-performance frontage that balances modern aesthetics with the practical demands of a high-traffic public facility, ensuring the zoo remains accessible to all.
Partner
Systems
Commercial Doors
75mm Curtain Walling System
100mm Curtain Walling System
60mm Window System
Precision under pressure
The primary challenge for HTL Windows and Doors was a punishingly tight delivery window. With the zoo’s peak season approaching, the building façades had to be completed before the Easter break. This left a turnaround period of only five to six weeks to move from the final acceptance of drawings through to material ordering, fabrication, and on-site installation. For a project of this scale, HTL required a systems partner that could not only provide high-quality powder-coated profiles but also guarantee a lead time that left zero margin for error.
Tried and trusted partners
Relying on previous project success, HTL Windows and Doors specified a suite of Kestrel Aluminium Systems products, including the 60 mm window system, 125 mm curtain walling, and commercial door sets. The 125 mm curtain walling was the centrepiece of the design, engineered to flood the interior with natural light and provide visitors with a panoramic view into the zoo grounds. To ensure the facility met modern accessibility standards, the commercial doors were fully automated to comply with DDA specifications. Furthermore, the 60 mm window system was integrated into the zoo’s offices and public zones to provide essential natural ventilation, improving the internal environment for both staff and guests.
Synchronised delivery for success
The on-time completion of the Whipsnade project was rooted in the logistical synergy between fabricator and supplier. To meet the demanding schedule, Kestrel utilised its own transport fleet to deliver assembled curtain walling spans directly from the manufacturing point to the site, ensuring the installation team could begin work the moment the materials arrived. This level of coordination allowed HTL to bypass the usual delays associated with third-party logistics. By utilising Kestrel Aluminium Systems for all aspects of the project, HTL Windows and Doors were able to deliver a complex, multi-system project within an accelerated timeframe, resulting in a professional finish that serves as a modern gateway to one of the UK’s most renowned wildlife conservation sites.
“It is exciting for us to see our products installed in iconic facilities like this, where our customers have supplied a complete project in Kestrel Aluminium Systems material. It clearly demonstrates the capabilities of our customers, and we are proud to be part of their success.”