The Bramsen Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest outdoor primate habitats in the country, allowing visitors to observe great apes and monkeys in dynamic, welfare-focused microclimates. Primera provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering to support the facility’s design and related site improvements. The project also included the addition of heated outdoor public restrooms and enhancements to visitor amenities.
The new facility integrates the existing 7,000-square-foot holding building with approximately 6,000 square feet of expanded holding and day room space, along with a new 14,000-square-foot conference center supporting the Zoo’s educational programming. The design also considered connectivity between the holding areas and adjacent exhibit spaces, including the Tropic World building, to support efficient animal care and operations.
Primera collaborated with trade partners throughout design to support early coordination, system integration, and the development of construction documents, followed by ongoing review of design packages, equipment selections, and system layouts, including coordination with the controls contractor. During construction, the team reviewed key equipment submittals and conducted periodic site visits during major MEP installation activities to help maintain quality and continuity.
Photography © Tom Harris
