2003
Living Coasts – Paignton Zoo
Client
Paignton Zoo
Location
Torquay
Contractor
Vector Special Projects
Client
Paignton Zoo
Location
Torquay
Contractor
Vector Special Projects
Delivering a landmark coastal aviary at scale
We installed a large-scale tensile aviary structure for Living Coasts, creating an open habitat that became a defining feature of the Torquay coastline.
Creating a Fully Enclosed Coastal Habitat
The Living Coasts project required the creation of a vast enclosed aviary capable of housing multiple seabird species, including penguins, auks and waders, within a coastal environment.
The challenge was to deliver a structure that could span an entire site, effectively enclosing a landscape rather than a single building, while maintaining an open, natural environment for both animals and visitors. Located on an exposed headland, the structure also needed to withstand harsh marine conditions, including high winds, salt exposure and constant environmental wear.
Balancing scale, durability and visual lightness was critical. The enclosure needed to feel almost invisible, preserving views across the bay while safely containing the habitat.
A Large-Scale Cable and Net Structure
Subcontracted to Vector Special Projects, we designed, supplied and installed a tensile aviary net system supported by a network of masts and tensioned cables, enclosing the entire site within a lightweight structural envelope. The polyethylene mesh provides an effective yet unobtrusive barrier, allowing birds to move freely within the space while maintaining safety and containment.
The structure spans significant distances, with the mesh supported across a series of central and perimeter masts to create a continuous enclosure. This approach minimises visual obstruction while maximising usable volume within the habitat, supporting natural behaviours and flight patterns.
Installation was carried out using rope access techniques, allowing the structure to be assembled efficiently across a complex and uneven site. This method reduced the need for heavy equipment while ensuring precise placement and tensioning of the mesh system.
An Effective Aviary Structure
The completed aviary became one of the defining features of Living Coasts, creating an immersive environment that brought visitors closer to coastal wildlife but maintained a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Over time, we carried out a phased programme of maintenance and upgrades, including replacing cable systems and net panels to extend the structure’s lifespan. Following these works, the 15-year-old installation was effectively renewed, restoring performance while retaining the original design intent.
