South West architecture practice helps create immersive Asian rainforest park

Asia’s first adventure-based zoological park, where Malayan tigers and bearded pigs roam freely without visible barriers, has opened – the result of innovative design work by a specialist South West firm of architects.

Bath-based landscape architecture practice Grant Associates was appointed by Mandai Wildlife Group, the developer of Singapore’s fifth wildlife park, in 2017 to co-lead on the landscaping vision.

The firm was already well established in the city having been lead designer on its world-recognised Gardens by the Bay urban park and its Supertrees attraction.

Working with US firm CLR Design, which specialises in zoo architecture, it created a new wildlife park that invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

Designed to offer an immersive and sensory journey, the 13-hectare wildlife park is a bold new addition to Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve, itself a world-leading nature and wildlife destination.

The new park features open, naturalistic habitats and visitors can expect chance animal sightings as they explore its thoughtfully designed landscapes, replicating the feeling of an authentic rainforest adventure.

Each guest can choose their level of adventure, which varies in intensity and offers different perspectives of animal habitats along the way.

More than 7,000 trees and shrubs, native to South East Asia, were planted on the site, complementing the existing protected tree clusters and enhancing the natural feel of the environment.

Focal points and interactive activities are scattered throughout the park to ensure every guest remains engaged with the exploration theme, with opportunities to gather information and learn about the rainforest ecosystem.

Following the initial design work by Grant Associates and CLR Design, the design and build contract was awarded to contractor China Jingye Engineering Corporation in 2020.

It engaged Oxfordshire-based DP Architects and DP Green as part of the consultant team to develop and implement the project.

Grant Associates founder and director Andrew Grant said the project redefined what it meant to connect with nature.

“Our approach has been to create a landscape that feels as authentic and immersive as possible, allowing visitors to step into the heart of a thriving rainforest ecosystem,” he added.

“We’re thrilled to see this vision come to life and hope it inspires a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and conservation.”

Grant Associates is globally recognised for its environmentally driven work such as the iconic Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and the Tower of London Superbloom project, part of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations 2022.

It has drew up the overall landscape strategy for the Brabazon neighbourhood on the former Filton Airfield site in Bristol and, working with fellow Bath architectural practice Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, created a new central African forest habitat for some of the world’s most critically endangered species on Bristol Zoological Society’s Bristol Zoo Project site.