A gift to nature

The site, which covers nearly five hectares of land, lies directly beside the Volcanoes National Park, around 100 km northwest of Rwanda's capital city Kigali. This area is known for its wild mountain gorillas. The unique campus offers an exciting experience for locals as well as tourists interested in conservation. It houses a 4500 m² building complex which displays a range of exhibits and interactive experiences to provide fascinating glimpses into the world of the endangered apes. The influx of visitors to the campus is further increased by African scientists and students who have discovered the excellent working conditions there, enabling the next generation of pioneering gorilla researchers to emerge through its doors. 

A source of inspiration for the architecture was the tent in which Dian Fossey lived when she began to study mountain gorillas. Unobtrusiveness, to avoid disturbing the animals was just as important as practicality, to provide an environment appropriate for working. An oval shape, green roofs and the use of local materials such as volcanic rock on the façades allow the building, like Dian Fossey's tent, to gently blend into the rolling hills. A series of covered terraces ensure flowing transitions into the buildings.

The tried-and-tested Schüco FWS 50 façade system was used by planners as a basis for the creative façade design and successful skylight construction. The aluminium mullion/transom façade with a face width of 50 mm offers maximum design freedom and high functionality. The quality and durability of the system was of key importance to the architects when making their selection, as these characteristics improve the value retention and sustainability of the system. Another decisive factor for them was the pre-fabricated system components, which allowed the units to be easily fabricated in the local area and installed quickly and simply.

The Schüco AWS 50.NI punched openings, which are integrated in the façade, allow so much natural light into the building that artificial light sources can be kept to a minimum. Outward-opening top-hung windows also provide natural ventilation, allowing fresh air into the rooms when needed. The window system also has Cradle to Cradle certification, which proves its optimum values with regard to the use of safe and healthy materials, water and energy consumption, recycling capability and social responsibility.

The non-insulated Schüco ADS 50.NI aluminium door system was used for the partition walls and door constructions in the exterior and interior areas, which impresses with its stable structure and allows even floor-to-ceiling units to be safely constructed. The door system offers an elegant interior design which can withstand high levels of daily use.